Reviews with content warning for Suicide - The Bell Jar

This is undeniably a great book. The writing is superb and the trials Esther goes through are captivating and very real. However, I would be weary that this book is emotionally challenging to read. Personally I found it a struggle, there were times I had to put it away because it was so difficult. But I've had my own experiences with mental health issues, depression and suicide, so I realise my perspective is biased. I've rated this so highly even though it was challenging for me, because the book made me feel like I was not alone in my experience. There was something so exposed and human about this book that really made me appreciate it as art. Overall, a beautiful piece that does not hold back.

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katie69's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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miabarranco's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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alipp's review against another edition

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challenging dark sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

There were parts that I got in the flow of this book but honestly in the second half when her mental health was deteriorating so much it was really hard to read.
It’s sad to see that this is how mental health care was in the 50s.

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