A review by m00nch1ld333
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Sylvia Plath’s writing is moving and incredibly easy to follow. As much as I enjoy classic literature, I do find that I can struggle to stay engaged. This was not the case when reading ‘The Bell Jar’. I found its portrayal of psychological struggles to be authentic and raw. Not only is it evocative and relatable, but it also marks an important milestone for feminism and mental health representation.

However, it's crucial to still hold it accountable for its poor portrayal of people of colour. The racist remarks throughout are uncomfortable and made me rethink if this novel was worth its praise altogether. However, after further evaluation and research, I found a piece on this subject written by a blogger who specifically prioritises the narratives of POC. I’ll link the account below as I found it to be incredibly informative and helpful in shaping my perspective.

If you are considering reading ‘The Bell Jar,’ I highly recommend seeking further information such as this post. It's important to educate ourselves and be mindful allies, especially when engaging with literature that falls short in certain areas.

https://www.instagram.com/blkstacks/p/CZSM6aIrNP7/?img_index=1

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide, Racism, Mental illness, and Self harm