A review by gaiaa
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I mean... I had high expectations going into this, but tbh it didn't meet my expectations. Don't get me wrong the writing is so real, gripping and raw. Plath does a great job describing how metal illnesses can affect one's everyday life. From not being able to sleep, eat properly to not having the energy to do the hobbies you once had a burning passion for. In the beginning she has the dream life everyone wants, but she couldn't make herself feel the excitement everyone else was feeling. There were so many relatable quotes in it!! Also the mental hospital part and the nice doctor reminded me a lot of Murakami's Norwegian Wood and the friendly therapist there. I feel like Sylvia Plath did the same thing she wrote Esther wanted to do (wrote a book, with a mc that was actually her) Overall it was a good one, but the ending didn't feel right, i don't feel like i have gotten closure with Esther...
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