Sylvia Plath: A Beginner's Guide

by Gina Wisker

This book introduces you to the life and works of one of the most unique and powerful minds of the 20th century. Focusing on Daddy, The Bell Jar, and her diaries, the author explores the background, themes, images, and techniques that unite them.

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2001

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath a couple of years ago and really liked it... well not ‘liked’ but it resonated with me. I was sad to discover, however, that she wasn’t primarily a novelist but a poet.

I put off reading her poetry because it is intimidating, I have not read poetry since I was in school. But lately I thought “oh what the hell” let’s give it ago. Poetry is not much different than song lyrics after all.

This book was a good introduction & enabled me to read a few of her poems without getting overwhelmed. It is a good guide through the themes & best works.

The author does have some strange ideas and the last 1/3rd is a waste of time as it is more about the critics arguing amongst themselves than it is about Plath’s life & work.

I am glad I braved the poems. Sylvia had a really interesting mind, I liked the poem “In Bandage” & I would never have understood what it is about without the explanation in this book.

[Emily Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tried to learn more about her life, but this was too dull and didn't really give any details about her personal life, I didn't gain any new information about her at all, it was just highlighting her work instead