From the Bookshelf of Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)…

The Bell Jar

Sylvia Plath

Start date: March 1, 2023

Finish date: May 31, 2023

Discussion: Upcoming Books: No Spoilers

Why we're reading this: Revisit the Shelf Reread, March 2023

Revisit the Shelf Reread, April 2016

Previous Reads:
New School Classi…more
[close] Revisit the Shelf Reread, March 2023

Revisit the Shelf Reread, April 2016

Previous Reads:
New School Classic Group Read, December 2014

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Upcoming Books: No Spoilers

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By Katy , Quarterly Long Reads · 31 posts · 857 views

last updated Dec 01, 2024 11:48AM

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What Members Thought

Nov 01, 2010 Adrienne rated it really liked it

Ok you should know that when I started this I knew very little about Sylvia Plath, her writing or her personal story. I think reading the Bell Jar without all the 'baggage' that comes with knowing too much was a good thing. The story I read was fascinating! I felt as though I were in the story as Esthers companion as she slipped into her dark place. The first third of her story was written like a regular novel, I thought maybe this would be a high class/literary predecessor of Valley of the Doll ...more

15 likes · Like · see review

Jun 25, 2016 lethe rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: z-reread, d-20th-c, p-removed, c-ace-linked, g-modern-classics, c-record-correct, g-fictional-bios, a-adult, t-health, c-own-cover-photo

I first read The Bell Jar almost 40 years ago and remembered I loved it. Therefore I was very much surprised to find that this time I really disliked Esther at first, so much so that I contemplated not finishing the book.

But I persevered and I am glad I did, because by the second half all my reservations had evaporated and I ended up loving it again.

A brilliant portrayal of depression.

2 likes · Like · see review