The Bell Jar P. S. Series by Sylvia Plath
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Web ID: 15626671Glad I read it, but wouldn’t read it again (at lea
Truthfully I thought the author’s background story was more saddening than the story itself. I am still not entirely sure what I anticipated this book being before picking it up, but I still enjoyed it overall. Although the topics “dive” deeper into the understanding of mental health during this era, we only get a glimpse into what-could-be the main characters life.
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A Modern Classic!
"The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath is a Modern Classic and Literary Fiction Novel! In 1953, protagonist Esther Greenwood, an ambitious and intelligent nineteen-year-old English undergrad from Boston, is awarded a summer internship as a guest-editor with 'Ladies Magazine' in New York City. Initially, everything is wonderful with the excitement of being in the big-city, working at the magazine, and the gatherings with other young women in the program. But certain things happen that Esther doesn't anticipate and she begins feeling disconnected, unfocused, and anxious. When Esther returns home, she realizes the aspirations she imagines for herself are in conflict with current social norms for women. She feels confined and trapped by these expectations. As these feeling intensify, Esther slowly spirals into a depression that quickly escalates into a mental break... "The Bell Jar" is written in the first-person voice of Esther as she shares details of her past and current circumstances. She has a non-conformist viewpoint about sexuality, marriage, and having children, a unique opinion for a woman in the 1950's. My first impression of "The Bell Jar" is the beauty of Sylvia Plath's writing style and gorgeous prose that is in sharp contrast to the darkness of the story. Esther's journey is raw and frightening and yet the light within the writing continues to draw the reader in. I was completely engaged. "The Bell Jar" audiobook is narrated by Maggie Gyllenhaal whose first-person voicing brings Esther to life. It feels like you're in her presence as she speaks the words. It's an amazing listen. Some readers may have trouble separating the character, Esther Greenwood from the author, Sylvia Plath. Knowing this novel is semi-autobiographical is a hard reality to swallow. The trigger warnings of depression and suicide should be taken seriously. Parts can be difficult to read and this story stays with you after you're finished, so be concerned. With that said, it's a brilliant piece of Literary Fiction. "The Bell Jar" is a novel I will remember, perhaps forever. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy Classics from the Mid-20th Century with a feminist point-of-view, like I do. 5⭐ "The Bell Jar" was originally published on January 14, 1963 in the U.K. under the pseudonym 'Victoria Lucas'. Sylvia Plath died less than one month later on February 11, 1963. "The Bell Jar" was not published in the U.S. until April 11, 1971 per the wishes of Sylvia Path's husband, Ted Hughes.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Heavy, but I highly recommend
Overall, I thought this whole novel was very cleverly written, but Sylvia Plath is known for that. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you know the subject matters of this book before reading. It deals heavily with depression, self harm, and suicide. Don’t just read it like I did because I liked the cover lol.
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Good book
I think that it's an amazing book and I just loved it so much it was so worth it.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Themes and quotes
This is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores several themes, including: Mental illness: The protagonist, Esther Greenwood, struggles with depression and eventually descends into a severe mental breakdown. The expectations of women: Esther feels trapped by societal expectations and the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. The loss of identity: Esther's mental illness causes her to feel disconnected from herself and the world around her, leading to a loss of identity. The search for meaning: Esther struggles to find purpose and meaning in her life as she grapples with her mental illness and the expectations placed on her. The effects of trauma: The novel touches on the lasting impact of trauma, both personal and societal, on individuals and their relationships. Some notable quotes from the book include: "I felt very still and very empty, the way the eye of a tornado must feel, moving dully along in the middle of the surrounding hullabaloo." "I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am." "If you expect nothing from anybody, you're never disappointed." "I wanted to crawl off into a corner and curl up and die, to sleep the big, dreamless sleep." "I felt very tiny, like a bug."
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Must Read
While it does have questionable lines and scenes, Sylvia Plath wrote a very eye opening and relatable story, the narrator doesn’t hold back. A classic must read.
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amazing
amazing
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
dnfed this book
i couldn’t get myself to finish this because of the blatant racism in literally each and every sentence, paragraph, and chapter.
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com