A review by timitsut
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

challenging dark informative sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I got a moderate insight into the treatment of mental illness in the 60ies in the US. However, the Racism in this book is (albeit not surprising for what I heard before about the author) making me question why this is suppposed to be "the" feminist classic you have to read before you die blabla. It was an interesting, informative and fast read and I have to say it was well written if you read it through a critical lense. It centered a womans perspective and as someone who has experienced some of the treatment Esther went through, I got something out of the book and I'm glad I reread it. I've read classics with similar racist undertones (duh, there are many), but again, why is it on so many Feminist Reading lists without any critical reference/ warning about the authors views, and I say that as a white, European woman. I'd recommend Hunger by Roxanne Gay if anyone wants to read a (very sad but essential) memoir about mental illness (here: PTSD and disordered eating) from a black Woman's perspective.
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