Julia_Ricci 07/05/2024
The Bell Jar Ascended
It's been three months since I read the book, but I was in absolutely no shape to write a meaningful review. I associated this novel with real-life events that I was experiencing, so the mere thought of talking about it for the first time makes my heart skip a beat.
But I am better now, hence we commence;
The Bell Jar, written by Sylvia Plath (one of the greatest American poets who died tragically and prematurely), has been considered a classic for six decades, and I can see the why behind the entitlement.
The semi-autobiography chronicles Esther Greenwood's journey through a misogynistic, intimidating America and her drastic descent into depression.
It's a considerably hard-to-understand book, so you must be really well-absorbed to appreciate all the different nuances of it. But on the other hand, all the euphemisms and terms give the reader a glimpse of what it is to think, breathe and live poetry.
And Sylvia Plath gives us the satisfaction of being in her mind, and, god, isn't it a beautiful view?
Although it's an unflinchingly beautiful book, it's definitely not for the faint-hearted. And it might be an unpopular opinion, but I can't picture myself reading it again anytime soon.
Just keep in mind that it's a detailed description of what it's like to be severely depressed, and that if you're going through anything minimally distressing, this book might trigger unwanted reactions.
Trigger Warnings: suicide, suicide attempt, self-harm, sexual content, discussions of mental health.