Reviews with content warning for Self harm - The Bell Jar

Reviews tagging 'Self harm'

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

1171 reviews

gentlemanjack's review against another edition

3.0

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

kind of underwhelming, as I had high expectations, some passages were really relatable but also triggering, not a book for me.

Content Warnings

rhiannonmohar's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Content Warnings

tessmcn's review against another edition

4.5

challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Stunning. With all the positive reviews, I assumed it had to be overrated, but I was so wrong. This novel was delicious. A narrative on the heart wrenching reality that women often face of being classified as crazy, which was only amplified in the 1940s. Heartbreaking and hopeful and healing and destructive. Sylvia ate.

Content Warnings

amessina3399's review against another edition

4.0

dark reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Content Warnings

annikashake's review against another edition

4.5

dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was pretty great to read as a 19 (almost 20) year old who feels just how esther felt throughout the book. she was able to put into words so many feelings that i have never been able to communicate. her writing style is unlike any other book i have read and she tells a story extremely well. i would definitely recommend for young adult struggling with mental illness.

Content Warnings

allydoessomereading's review against another edition

5.0

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I think Sylvia plath knows my life exactly. I don't think I've ever read my own thoughts and feelings be explained so beautifully and precisely like Plath does. Her writing is so vibrant and poetic, even when she is discussing some very heavy topics. Its amazing that she was able to discuss the female experience so ruthlessly in the time that she did. Its insane that this book from years ago is the first ive read with passages that have made me feel so seen and understood in a way i havent felt before. I think this book found me at both the best and worst time, either way I know it's stuck with me for life.

Content Warnings

maddykreed's review against another edition

4.75

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

this is a classic i’ve had on the shelf for a while, and it did not disappoint. esther is a brilliant rendition from plath’s mind and experience, and is simultaneously charming, witty, and sharp while suffocating in her depressive bell jar. this was an excellent read, and by all accounts, made me feel a bit more sane.

Content Warnings