Book Review – The Bell Jar

‘The Bell Jar’ is a recent classic written by the accomplished writer Sylvia Plath. This post is not so much a review of the book, but my feelings when I read it. One does not review classics, one absorbs them and becomes enriched by them.

It was hard for me to imagine myself completely in Esther’s position, but that did not stop me from being thoroughly engrossed. Ms Plath does a fantastic job drawing the reader in and gettting them emotionally involved with Esther while also transmitting the feeling that Esther is slowly losing her sanity. I have never been moved like that before, usually when I read stories about people going insane there is either an otherworldy quality to it or somehow I cannot emotionally attach to that person. Ms. Plath’s writing skills made that all but impossible, her words travelled into my head and wrapped around my heart, wanting desperately to do anything to help Esther slow or reverse her descent.

I would recommend this book, a fantastic read. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.