Julia5963 07/05/2024
The Bell Jar Ascended
It's been three months since I read the book, but I was in absolutely no shape to write a meaningful review. I associated this novel with real-life events that I was experiencing, so the mere thought of talking about it for the first time makes my heart skip a beat.
But I am better now, hence we commence;
The Bell Jar, written by Sylvia Plath (one of the greatest American poets who died tragically and prematurely), has been considered a classic for six decades, and I can see the why behind the entitlement.
The semi-autobiography chronicles Esther Greenwood's journey through a misogynistic, intimidating America and her drastic descent into depression.
It's a considerably hard-to-understand book, so you must be really well-absorbed to understand all the different nuances. But on the other hand, all the euphemisms and terms give the reader a glimpse of what it is to think, breathe and live poetry.
And Sylvia Plath gives us the satisfaction of being in her mind.
Although it's an unflinchingly beautiful book, it's definitely not for the faint-hearted. And it might be an unpopular opinion, but I can't picture myself reading it again anytime soon.
Just keep in mind that it's a detailed description of what it's like to be severely depressed, and that if you're going through anything minimally distressing, this book might trigger unwanted reactions.
**Trigger Warnings** Suicide, suicide attempt, self-harm, sexual content, discussions of mental health.