Bell Jar

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Summary: The Bell Jar
Review: I read this book immediately following "Girl, Interrupted" by Susanna Kaysen. This was an interesting coincidence because both these novels are (nearly) autobiolgraphical accounts of mental traumas these women suffered in their early 20's. In fact, both women had resided in the same mental hospital during their recuperation. I finished "Girl, Interrupted" a bit confused on how I had ever rationalized spending my time reading such a book in the first place. The author's over-personification of the trite theme of "crazy may be sane" wasn't even accompanied by a plot. Sadly enough, the most interesting part of the novel was the excerpt taken from a psychology textbook describing Kaysen's diagnosis. Then, I picked up "The Bell Jar," not knowing what it was about, and read it. It was everything "Girl, Interrupted" had tried to be and wasn't. The main character's experiences were real and meaningful, and the book itself tried less to shock its readers by trying to include monumental meaning, but instead, simply told its tale in a beautiful and harrowing way that perfectly reverberated the all-too-familiar struggles of a young woman emerging into an unfamiliar world that in its simpleness, conveyed more than even Kaysen could ever fathom being bestowed upon a reader.

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Summary: Very interesting novel
Review: The Bell Jar was a novel of which was unusual than anything that I have ever read. It was easy reading, but it has so many different aspects to it. Esther's life takes a very drastic turn- she goes from living a lavish life in New York City, and then in a instant she has this mental illness which takes over her life. I just thought this novel was well-written, very emotional, and it's an interesting topic to write about. Not many people are comfortable with discussing mental illness. I truly recommend this novel as it will provide with a new meaning towards life and how one lives with a mental illness.

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Summary: Misunderstood Masterpiece
Review: Although this partially auto-biographical book written by Sylvia Plath is most commonly discussed in feminist groups and psychology classes, its a book for the likes of anyone who's ever felt a bit out of touch with reality. Plath was an excellent poet, and an extremely good author. The fact that this is her only novel is quite disappointing. This book is easier read than almost any other I've ever picked up. Its a better written Catcher In The Rye. One that doesn't so much focus on the whining and complaining about life, but more of the spiral of feeling insane and like an outsider. Don't get me wrong. In no way is this a take-off of Catcher In The Rye. It is as unique as any book that you could get your hands on. That's what makes it so brilliant. Also, I think anyone who reads this book should try their very hardest to read Plath's poetry along with it. It will make you understand her world on a bit more of an artistic level. Basically, I can't stress enough how important this novel is to American Literature. Someday, this book will be in as high of regard with the literary greats as Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Shakespeare's MacBeth.

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Summary: Truly wonderful!
Review: This book was really astounding. It had sort of a simple story going to it, but there were so many deeper meanings thrown into the novel. This book was so amazingly deep, but so easy to read. I finished reading it in two days. I would definately recommend this book to everyone. I personally didn't care for Plath's poetry when we studied it in class, but I really enjoyed her book. So, whether you like Plath's poetry or not if you like a book that is deep, yet a fast read, I would definately read this book.

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Summary: My Favorite Book
Review: I have read a lot of books for school,but my favorite, without a doubt,is The Bell Jar. The main character's mental ilness develops so subtly, yet so swiftly, that the reader is taken into her mindset almost immediately. The reader is mesmorized by how this funny, intelligent,and witty young woman, who appears to have everything going for her, descends into madness. A wonderful character-study of a girl who could be anyone. A brilliant novel,along the lines of The Catcher and the Rye.

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Summary: a breathtakingly candid masterpiece
Review: No book that I have ever read can capture truth and feeling like the 'Bell Jar.' As I read the book, I really felt as if I was Esther Greenwood, herself. As Esther began to suffer her mental breakdown, so did I, and as she felt nothing was really wrong with her, so did I. I had to stop reading and think... this woman IS crazy and in need of help, even though I didn't really feel that as I was reading. And as Esther began to get better, I felt as if all the fogginess of her life slowly began to clear. It is a known fact that the best 'stories' come from personal experience, and the 'Bell Jar' is a top-notch example of that!

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Summary: Sylvia Plath Passes the Buck
Review: Considering its publication date, The Bell Jar's autobiographical tale of Sylvia Plath's descent into depression and insanity is an important book. However, the insinuations contained in it are disturbing. The Bell Jar seems to villify men in general for their lack of understanding. Rather than acknowledge that some people in general are distant, Plath turns men into whipping posts. It should be obvious to the unbiased reader, however, that Plath was just plain old insane. This reviewer feels bad for Ted Hughes, Plath's husband who has been blamed by two generations of literary feminists for Plath's suicide. Reading The Bell Jar should exonerate Hughes-- his wife was, unfortunately, mentally ill independent of his actions. Sylvia Plath should have taken responsibility for her own actions and her own condition.

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Summary: Highly recommended, edge of the seat autobiographical novel!
Review: I was introduced to this book (in paperback form) as a high school junior. Almost five years later, I still love the book and own a hardback copy. The Bell Jar is a thrilling edge of your seat work that makes you keep reading, as you follow Esther through pain, stress, triumph, sexuality, and basically -LIFE! It is wonderful and I recommend it to everyone.

Rating:
Summary: a masterpiece
Review: This wonderful, semi-autobiographical work is one of the best out there. It is a very intriguing look at a young woman's descent into madness. THE BELL JAR explores many interesting facets of human personality and raises questions regarding what is "sane" and what is not. The book is intellectually stimulating, yet an easy, quick read. I would readily recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

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Summary: A classic without true heart
Review: I thought this book was good but I felt that there was a heartlessness to it. When I read something I want to be really moved by it. This was a good book but for someone with that many feelings it seemed bland. I suggest reading it for the experience.