Reviews

Started out okay. I then realised that every chapter had the word ‘queer’ used a describing word. I thought I was reading a book which explained the fig theory and expanded on it with day to day situations - It didn’t. If I did my research I would have known it was about someone’s (the authors) struggles with depression and their attempt of committing suicide. As it was wrote in the 1960s it’s quite racist and is quite outdated with today’s society. Also went into detail about how metal health was dealt with back in the 60s. On reflection it’s not the worst book I’ve read.

macbeth03's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

dionbrh's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.5

amylhmax's review against another edition

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challenging dark slow-paced

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

2.0

mintomillk's review against another edition

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4.0

The Bell Jar is divisive among many, and sometimes for good reason, sometimes not. i think Plath gets unfairly criticised for her only novel being "self-indulgent" and "whiny," which, considering her personal struggles with mental illness and later legacy being disrupted as a female writer and poet, seems almost unfair to toss onto her given the clear depth of her suffering. at the same time, though, i can't completely say that she is without flaw due to the mannerisms of Esther throughout the book and the clear undertones of racism and homophobia throughout the novel. this is very much a book that explores depression from a white, upper-middle class position without acknowledging the inherent privilege that lies behind such a status.

besides the background surrounding this novel, i did really enjoy The Bell Jar. the fig tree metaphor lives in my head rent free and Plath is brilliant at expressing the depths of her struggles and insecurities through words. the ending i found a bit abrupt and didn't leave me with as much of an impression of Esther's journey as i would have liked, but i do think this is a worthwhile read if not just to understand the author herself.

emely411's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad fast-paced

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

4.5

audrey_puls's review against another edition

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5.0

This was Exceptional!!! Has to be one of my favorite books ever!!!

nikolettefries's review against another edition

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3.0

i wanted this book to end so badly... maybe there was something I was missing out that didn't really let me enjoy it at its fullest, but even though I was invested in it, i couldn't get an actual grip of it.

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