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A review by xseulgiii
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
As a young woman who held far too high expectations for myself on top of the expectations society put on me, I could feel my younger self relating to Esther. This is quite scary considering the mid-twentieth century setting of the novel. From the fig tree to the racehorse to the bell jar itself, I went through many of the same experiences and thought processes as Esther did and was lucky enough to survive. This was an amazing read, but not one I could have handled even three years ago.
Graphic: Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death of parent