Reviews tagging 'Physical abuse'

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

40 reviews

franniiia's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective medium-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

If I hadn't been stuck on a plane for a couple hours I probably would not have finished it. The writing is good and I don't tend to have too big of an issue with unlikeable main characters, I'm actually starting to really like them and find them really interesting to read about normally, but this time it was a little tiring and a lot of times I had to cringe at some things. 
Overall just not really for me, I guess.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Medical content, Racial slurs, Racism, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Medical trauma, Self harm, Forced institutionalization, Violence, Lesbophobia, Mental illness, and Physical abuse

Moderate: Suicide attempt, Ableism, Suicide, and Suicidal thoughts

saa's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-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

5.0

I was led to read "The Bell Jar" based on an AI recommendation, hoping to delve into the protagonist's turmoil and encounter a multifaceted character. To my satisfaction, the book fulfilled my expectations entirely, delivering a comprehensive and immersive experience with an added touch of brilliance.

The book's ability to express ideas is truly extraordinary. Every word pulls you in, urging you to continue reading, captivated by the narrative's magnetic allure.

Esther, the main character, possesses a thought process that is simply delectable. Her musings consistently brought a smile to my face, allowing me to savor each idea with a sense of amusement.

I found great pleasure in the book's exploration of the theme of purity, as well as its skillful and flavorful descriptions of every new character, infused with subtle irony and captivating details.

The intricate and complex relationship between Esther and Buddy offers a captivating journey. Their transformation from adoration to disdain, combined with Esther's internal struggles, effectively showcases her as a character who appears externally conflict-free but battles profound turmoil within.

As the narrative progresses, readers are enveloped in Esther's mental state, experiencing the profound depths of her depression and her desperate encounters with thoughts of suicide.

Towards the end of the book, Esther's reclamation of power becomes an empowering moment. It takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, evoking a range of sentiments throughout the course of the story.

"The Bell Jar" masterfully weaves together complex character development and themes of empowerment. It provides a poignant exploration of mental health struggles, self-discovery, and the triumph of the human spirit. This novel leaves a lasting impression, resonating with readers long after they turn the final page.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Physical abuse, and Vomit

Moderate: Suicide

___'s review against another edition

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

0.25

First world white girl problems. Not a single likable character in the book.

I knew nothing of this book going into it. As someone who has been both depressed and suicidal most of their life, as well as someone who knows everything's relative, I still found this book to be completely trash and almost insulting (bigotry aside).

...

Upon further reflection, this is one of the worst books I've ever read.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism

Moderate: Self harm, Sexual content, Suicide, Violence, Medical trauma, Physical abuse, Body shaming, Fatphobia, Forced institutionalization, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Death, Vomit, Death of parent, and Alcohol

faythfarrar's review

dark

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Mental illness

Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Lesbophobia, and Racial slurs

jneverland's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.75

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Emotional abuse, Forced institutionalization, Misogyny, Sexual content, Death, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Violence, Religious bigotry, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Self harm, Alcohol, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Confinement, Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Grief, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Mental illness, and Physical abuse

nicoleeluz's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-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

4.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Forced institutionalization, Medical trauma, and Mental illness

Minor: Racism

vithelovers's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-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

4.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Medical trauma, Medical content, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Sexual assault, and Suicide attempt

lovelessens's review against another edition

dark reflective sad fast-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

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault, Suicide, Racism, Suicide attempt, Hate crime, Physical abuse, and Suicidal thoughts

karol99's review

challenging emotional funny reflective tense 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

4.75

I am really glad I finally read this book! I enjoyed that way it was written, there have been multiple sections of the book that I have underlined because the way Plath worded things was so eloquently done. I really enjoyed the way she tackled different forms of mysogyny as well as mental health all while the reader has to keep in mind that this book as well as the character is from the 60's - which is also clearly evident in the cultural/societal response to women and mental health at the time.

I specifically had a moment of reflection where I had to jot down my thoughts on mirrors and it's role in the story (Plath, p. 168): 

[Esther asked to see a mirror, and the nurse ignored her]
'Why can't I?'
'Because you better not.' The nurse shut the lid of the overnight case with a little snap. 
'Why?' 
'Because you don't look very pretty.' 

I also had a discussion with my mum about it. All the different factors and layers that were held in such a short line:  'Because you don't look very pretty.'  

I will leave at 4.75, and see how the book will further impact me - and if it does, now that I have finished it.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Medical trauma, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Death

Moderate: Sexual content, Religious bigotry, Racism, Physical abuse, Blood, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Grief, Fatphobia, Eating disorder, Classism, Bullying, and Body shaming

cinnaminskies's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective relaxing sad slow-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

3.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Self harm, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse

Moderate: Racism and Racial slurs