Book Review: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Unlike other teenagers coming of age in America, Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar was not required reading at my high school. Until very recently, I knew very little about Plath. I’d heard her legendary book mentioned from time to time on my beloved Gilmore Girls (knowing that Rory Gilmore approved meant that it must be good), and so I added it to my reading list long ago. But I only just got around to reading The Bell Jar, and I have to say that I thought it was brilliant.

This gripping novel follows the life of a college student named Esther Greenwood. When we meet Esther, she seems like your standard high achieving, scholarship receiving, perfectionist who has an all too bright future ahead of her. After learning more about the inner workings of our heroine, we begin to understand that this is not the case. We listen as she grapples with the realization that the world — and the people in it — are much different than she thought they would be. We play witness to Esther’s struggles, watching as she teeters the blurred line between sanity and madness.

The book takes place in Esther’s head, and Plath builds the logic of Esther’s thinking in such a way that you really understand her insanity. This hyper-internal view into Esther’s world made The Bell Jar feel more personal. I understood what she was going through and where she was coming from, and in turn, it makes you feel like a part of her journey, a fly on the wall if you will.

For anyone who has struggled with anxiety, perfectionism and/or depression, it’s definitely relatable. In a way, it’s also comforting… and really intense at times. There were a few moments where I’d have to take a break from reading for a few days.

For any Feminist thinkers out there, you’ll appreciate Plath’s intelligently crafted passages and subtle remarks regarding the role of women in the work place, at home, etc. It’s important to note that The Bell Jar inspired numerous all female book-clubs wherein women would discuss her ideas in relation to their own opinion of the role of women in society. The novel was first published in England in 1963 and later in America in 1971–an exciting historical point for women in both nations.

The Bell Jar is an excellent read for anyone who loves beautiful language, complex ideas and likes spending time in another person’s head. Plath’s novel is nothing short of legendary literature.

—Jaime

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