The Bell Jar

Excellent book. "'If you love her," I said, "you'll love somebody else someday.'"

Sylvia Plath's story of Esther Greenwood's descent into madness is both enjoyable and terrifying at the same time. This is a true classic of teen angst in 1950s America, with particular attention paid to the difficulties that women faced during that time (and still do to this day). A classic that exposes the challenges of mental health and the monstrous "treatments" that were used to help cure people that suffer from this disease.

The writing in this book was beautiful. It is based on Sylvia Plath's real experiences (and altered slightly for the book); it was a very eye opening view of mental health in the 60s.

Be Wary of Some Spoilers

The first half is really relatable for young women/people who are struggling to decide what they want to do, or where they are headed. The Fig Tree was a beautiful metaphor for that stage in life. I want to print it out and hang it in my room.

The second half was more focused on her illness (it is never really specified as to what it is; possibly depression or bipolar disorder, some have suggested there was possibly some psychosis). It was rather dark and disturbing in some parts, particularly during the electroshock therapy. Plath does a very good job of making you feel some of the fears and anxiety she experiences during these parts.

I love this book.
10/10

A finely chiselled portrait of a depressed woman descending into madness. By the end of the story we are keenly involved in her plight, and are rooting for her to get out of the hospital and see what kind of life she can assemble.

Wow.... What a profoundly beautiful and haunting book. The prose, emotions, and imagery are out of this world; it's truly a groundbreaking rally cry for mental health and feminism. I'm disappointed that it took me this long in my life to get around to reading such a classic, but I do get a sick sort of satisfaction that I'm reading this book at pretty much the same age as Plath was when she committed suicide. I'm sad she never saw this book published, although the notoriety of her suicide I'm sure helped propel this book even further since "The Bell Jar" dealt with depression and suicide. I feel like this book is a right of passage for young women. It's like "Catcher in the Rye." This book captured depression so completely and realistically, that it is honestly is making me a little depressed right now. "The Bell Jar" centers on a 19 year old college girl who seemingly has it all; she's in New York after having won a fantastic magazine award with twelve other young ladies and even though she has nothing bringing her down, she can't even bear to be complacent. Her depression grows more enveloping until her only solution is to try to get rid of it completely, by killing herself. Wow. A heavy, depressing, important read.

This is a fantastic journey. The buildup, collapse, and recovery of a strong woman.