A review by juliareste
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

4.5

 I have too many thoughts about this book. In terms of a simple book review, the book is incredibly well written and what I would describe as "enjoyable to get through" had the topic not been so heartbreaking. I enjoyed the stream-of-consciousness style of writing, and it reminded me heavily of the kind of writing one would get from Sally Rooney. I mean this as a compliment to both Plath and Rooney, of course.

I write this review to caution the reader, however. It is extremely graphic and even though I used to think content warnings unnecessary when reading books, and maybe I should have expected it, I was a bit caught off guard by the descriptions of suicide.

I think maybe I shouldn't have read this book. Even though I know it will have a profound effect on me and I will think of it long after I have finished it, I think maybe it was a bit too much. Considering it is, in many ways, an autobiographical description of Plath's life, the content of the story and the events that proceeded in Plath's life broke my heart. Personally, as well, I will be going to college at a school extremely similar to the one both Esther Greenwood and Sylvia Plath went to. In fact, Sylvia graduated from high school in the town I will be attending college. It humanized the book in a way I did not think possible, as it had already been extremely personal.

I would recommend others read this book, but only after understanding the content and not considering it a lighter read.

4.5/5 stars 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt