A review by stefanv
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What a book. It has been sitting in my book case for years, being a bit afraid of it after all the stories people told of it. While reading the first half I was thinking: what is everyone on about? The Bell Jar shows you an ordinary life of a young woman, but written in such a way that you are completely invested. It also reads surprisingly fast. But in the second half the story takes a turn, realistically, movingly, and oft times excruciatingly (and for some people quite triggering) portraying a descent into depression. But the writing is such that not for one moment you want to put the book down. And when you come through it, you will have evolved with the main character, towards a little bit more maturity, clarity and wisdom, and perhaps the freedom to be who you want to be. 
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