A review by mintomillk
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

4.0

The Bell Jar is divisive among many, and sometimes for good reason, sometimes not. i think Plath gets unfairly criticised for her only novel being "self-indulgent" and "whiny," which, considering her personal struggles with mental illness and later legacy being disrupted as a female writer and poet, seems almost unfair to toss onto her given the clear depth of her suffering. at the same time, though, i can't completely say that she is without flaw due to the mannerisms of Esther throughout the book and the clear undertones of racism and homophobia throughout the novel. this is very much a book that explores depression from a white, upper-middle class position without acknowledging the inherent privilege that lies behind such a status.

besides the background surrounding this novel, i did really enjoy The Bell Jar. the fig tree metaphor lives in my head rent free and Plath is brilliant at expressing the depths of her struggles and insecurities through words. the ending i found a bit abrupt and didn't leave me with as much of an impression of Esther's journey as i would have liked, but i do think this is a worthwhile read if not just to understand the author herself.