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Sammy's Reviews > The Bell Jar
The Bell Jar
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There are many who have read The Bell Jar and absolutely loved it. I am gladly considering myself one of them. I was a little caught of guard when I read a few reviews of The Bell Jar comparing it to The Catcher in the Rye stating how it's the female version of it. I liked Catcher but I know there are many people who didn't and upon hearing that may be similar to Catcher not have the desire to read it. I assure you, The Bell Jar is a book all on it's own and should not be compared to any other book... even as a compliment.
When I first started reading the book I was a little put off, feeling it was an extremely pretensious novel. Her descriptions were crisp and precise, often using words that one rarely hears spoken or even read. I went into the novel knowing that Plath was a poet and felt that at first the book was just another form of her poetry and her showing off her writing abilities. But that only remained within the first two pages, because after that I became absorbed. The writing that I was a little sketchy about at first helped me visualize the setting and get to know the characters. And though Plath never really described many characters as to their personality, I began to feel I knew them all intimately.
Strangely enough, if you remember in my last review, what bothered me most about The Good Earth did not bother me in The Bell Jar. Because the Esther, the character we are following, is slowly descending into madness, time no longer matters. There are a few times I was confused about the timeline, but it did not upset me.
The book really spoke to me because of my own personal experiences with depression and suicide. It spoke to me as a woman and my views on sex and the confusion I'm sure most other girls out there face. It's amazing that this book was written and published over 30 years ago, really, when a new woman was coming out into the world. I have a feeling that this book helped women realize that they're not alone, and brought things to light that most people have commonly shoved aside; women and men. But what else is amazing is how relevant these topics still are today. Specifically with suicide, and specifically about the virtue and pureness of women compared to men.
So I guess that is why The Bell Jar is often compared to The Catcher in the Rye, with it's discussions and writings of often controversial titles. Setting off a new generation of writers, styles, and people. Another book also came to mind as I was reading, and that was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. There are moments when I could make a few direct comparisons between the two. With Esther slowly seperating herself from socialization and sinking deeper into her own thoughts and depression. Analyzing things that go on around her and her surroundings. Very reminscent of Perks.
If you feel you're suffering from depression, madness, confusion about topics pertaining to society and sex, or just looking for a good read, The Bell Jar is definetly the book for you. I also advise, if you're seriously suffering from depression, to get help for yourself. There is no shame in it, and getting help is better than ending your life. Even if you need to go on medication, DO NOT feel ashamed, especially if it's going to help you even more.
When I first started reading the book I was a little put off, feeling it was an extremely pretensious novel. Her descriptions were crisp and precise, often using words that one rarely hears spoken or even read. I went into the novel knowing that Plath was a poet and felt that at first the book was just another form of her poetry and her showing off her writing abilities. But that only remained within the first two pages, because after that I became absorbed. The writing that I was a little sketchy about at first helped me visualize the setting and get to know the characters. And though Plath never really described many characters as to their personality, I began to feel I knew them all intimately.
Strangely enough, if you remember in my last review, what bothered me most about The Good Earth did not bother me in The Bell Jar. Because the Esther, the character we are following, is slowly descending into madness, time no longer matters. There are a few times I was confused about the timeline, but it did not upset me.
The book really spoke to me because of my own personal experiences with depression and suicide. It spoke to me as a woman and my views on sex and the confusion I'm sure most other girls out there face. It's amazing that this book was written and published over 30 years ago, really, when a new woman was coming out into the world. I have a feeling that this book helped women realize that they're not alone, and brought things to light that most people have commonly shoved aside; women and men. But what else is amazing is how relevant these topics still are today. Specifically with suicide, and specifically about the virtue and pureness of women compared to men.
So I guess that is why The Bell Jar is often compared to The Catcher in the Rye, with it's discussions and writings of often controversial titles. Setting off a new generation of writers, styles, and people. Another book also came to mind as I was reading, and that was The Perks of Being a Wallflower. There are moments when I could make a few direct comparisons between the two. With Esther slowly seperating herself from socialization and sinking deeper into her own thoughts and depression. Analyzing things that go on around her and her surroundings. Very reminscent of Perks.
If you feel you're suffering from depression, madness, confusion about topics pertaining to society and sex, or just looking for a good read, The Bell Jar is definetly the book for you. I also advise, if you're seriously suffering from depression, to get help for yourself. There is no shame in it, and getting help is better than ending your life. Even if you need to go on medication, DO NOT feel ashamed, especially if it's going to help you even more.
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
November 1, 2004
–
Finished Reading
May 29, 2007
– Shelved
June 12, 2007
– Shelved as:
a-the-best
Comments Showing 1-50 of 57 (57 new)
message 1:
by
Liz
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rated it 4 stars
Jul 01, 2009 08:08PM
I agree, I despised Catcher in the Rye and LOVED Bell Jar. Ironically though I keep comparing this to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Ultimately, I guess comparing books isn't the best thing to do.
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I agree that this is nothing like Catcher in the Rye, which I also despised. I listened to The Bell Jar and LOVED it. Maggie Gyllenhaal narrates, and she embodies the voice of Esther as well as anyone I can imagine. It has been a superb reading/listening experience.
I liked your review a lot. I just finished reading the book and I think you described it very well here. And I thank you for giving such good advise at the end of your review.
Wow your review touched me. It was right on
didn't find it to be the least bit pretentious and i'm pretty darn uneducated, man...huuuh...i thought it was refreshingly plain and direct
J. D Salinger's novel was Sylvia Plath's sort of guide to her writing so maybe that's by you find them similar.
There are times when the character of Esther and the writing in general mirror Salinger's "Catcher". However, it's merely a superficial resemblance. The comparison has crossed my mind a few times throughout The Bell Jar, though. Personally, I like both novels.
The first paragraph of this review caught my eye. I'm halfway through the novel and am avoiding spoilers so I鈥檝e not read on. I鈥檝e been surprised at how much The Bell Jar reminds me of Catcher in the Rye. Now I hate Catcher but like Plath's poetry. So the second half should be interesting...
I agree with you when you compare it to Perks of being a Wallflower. Both of the main characters slowly begin to realize both good and bad things about the world. They both bring up the dominant issues of depression in the people around us. Even those we do not expect.
Good review. I'm getting read to read the book and I really enjoyed hearing your take on it.
I hatred Catcher in the Rye also, but read this book in one day.I was also reminded of Perks, glad to see I'm not the only one.
Sammy, Great review. Especially, thank you for adding the important comments about people asking for help when feeling any depression. I suffer from major anxiety and never asked for help (I didn't know there was any) until I was 35 years old. Those first 35 years were very painful - I can only imagine Esther's (Sylvia's) suffering all those months & eventually years. The book is beautiful. I wish she had written the 2nd one she apparently planned.
Funny, I'm only on Chapter Three of The Bell Jar and without knowing of it's common comparison to Catcher, I felt very quickly reminded of Holden Caulfield. I look forward to getting into this book, also having lived with depression.
I loved Catcher... Gonna read this book next.
You describe it so well because you are an excellent writer yourself.
I agree with many parts of your review and in many things, I do not. Overall, I didn't really enjoy this book.I definitely think it was amazing that it came out so long ago considering the fact that she deals with very real issues and I feel it is timeless in that way. I understand that she was going insane, hence why a lot of the events didn't seem to follow a coherent timeline, but unlike you, this extremely bothered me. I felt like I was just reading some random string of happenings that had no ties to each other whatsoever. It seemed every time she would start to really get into why that part mattered, it'd go to something else.
Your comparison to The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a really great one. The way the books are written is stunningly similar even though they are both in drastically different forms.
Oh you're review was so eloquent! I'm in the middle of this book and after just recently reading perks and catcher, I'm so in love with this type of writing. Also going through a funk I guess seeing help soon and really looking forward to finding answers I hope. I had never imagine finding books that hit hard so close together. I'd recommend this trio to anyone who is struggling with depression as well. Just knowing people like this existed and yes, had similar thoughts on sex and society. I've never felt so alone but reading these made me feel a step closer to peace and understanding. It's like standing among those who know. Can't wait to finish this one, I'll come back and add a proper review. Thank you for your thoughts.
I love Catcher in the Rye! One of my favorite books growing up. I've read the Bell Jar and it's good too. I never thought to compare them. Catcher in the Rye is more of a coming of age story while I thought The Bell Jar looks more into the human psyche. You've got me thinking now. I kinda want to reread these books
Wonderful & thought-provoking review! I can't really believe that--as a woman who has suffered with Bipolar Depression her entire adult life--I have missed reading this classic. Oh well...I'm only 52 and haven't offed myself yet! Time to buy a copy.
Interesting comments, too. Thanks, all.
Its, all of you! Its not it's!
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Matthew Loth: your comment is utter garbage.
when I was reading the bell jar I found the flow of thoughts and narrative of carreaway and Esther the same.The natural andl witty observation and thoughts of both characters make this novel interesting.
How did any of you manage to finish reading this book? It made no sense and was boring to the point of exhaustion. I physically could not keep my eyes opened. It was awful!
When I started reading, I immediately felt she was the female Holden. I can鈥檛 even pinpoint what it is that makes them similar. I guess maybe because they have a similar thought process.
I think the similarity between Holden and Esther is that they鈥檙e both young people who have experienced trauma, but find themselves in an emotionally numb society that is unable to help them process their experiences, so they are labeled as sick, broken, dysfunctional, spoiled, etc., when what they need most is empathic understanding. Charlie in 鈥淧erks鈥� is in a similar situation, though it seems like he isn鈥檛 met with as much coldness by his environment - perhaps an indicator that society is becoming more compassionate and tolerant over time.
It was helpful. I decided to read it. Thank you..鉂も湆
Struggling through this book - worst book of 2020 i have read so far!
I finished my review and thought perhaps many who have read will draw some parallels with The Bell Jar. And when I read that in your review; I literally got the goosebumps. Holden wasn't much like Esther ; besides intelligent, interesting and loved the ducks of the pond at Central Park. Thank you for your review.
While I agree with what you鈥檙e saying and all of the points, and while I myself also really enjoyed the book, I would NOT recommend it to someone who is personally struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts. The book is about as anxiety ridden and woe infused as they come and while it can be incredible to see that world from the eyes of a poet (and a terribly skilled one at that), it鈥檚 not for those who are struggling themselves in my opinion.
Very nice review. I agree with everything you said.
The style of writing is similar, but not the plot or characters. Funny, I had this thought yesterday as I started the book
I wouldn't compare it to the Catcher in the Rye, because I thought The Bell Jar was brilliant and unlike anything I ever read before. The Catcher in the Rye, however, is incredibly overrated if you ask me. Not necessarily bad, but after finishing it I still didn't have a clue what the fuss was all about.
Very helpful review. Thank you so much!馃
On comparison to Catcher in the Rye: Both Holden and Esther were both highly intelligent, and that鈥檚 where their similarities ended. Holden always thought he knew better than everyone else around him. Everyone was a phony, and he did his own thing with a sort of naive arrogance. Esther was a much more sympathetic character. She had high expectations of herself, understood her own limitations, and she really tried to play the game until at one point she could no longer cope.
Super Nova, I totally agree!
I'm glad that you made a point to talk about her slow descent into madness. Seeing others state that this was boring for them, or they didn't understand made me realize that many parts of this book may only be related to by people who have had similar experiences. For people who come in reading this book and not understanding how depression can feel different for anyone, they might have a harder time understanding the overall concept. I like how you pointed out that there are times in the story where it seems as if time does not matter. That is a very real description of how depression can feel in real life as well. It鈥檚 through this almost scattered writing style that we see the true depth of Esther鈥檚 descent into madness. As for how relevant these topics are, I have to say that I was also surprised at how relevant this book is today. I feel as though it tells people that even back in the time this book was written, people were feeling depressed and suicidal- topics that were viewed as very taboo back then. Another set of topics you mentioned is purity in comparison to men and women. I personally feel like this was not as fleshed out or explored as the topic of depression in the story, as it seems to have a smaller effect on Esther than other events throughout the story. Just as you said, I would definitely recommend this book to people who have suffered from depression, because maybe they could find some peace from reading this book and knowing that others go through the same things they do.
Very apt review! Loved your command on your words that beautifully scripts your feelings and personal experiences.
I felt a connection between this book and the Moviegoer as both book capture elements of my own experiences in live. In fact, I think the two books capture two sides of myself that I have been trying to reconcile my entire live.
Catcher was about a selfish, precocious boy whose cynical and world weary before he even grew up. I liked Catcher, but The Bell Jar is about mental illness and depression. They鈥檙e not the same types of stories at all. Catcher is like a Wes Anderson film, The Bell Jar is like Girl, Interrupted. Plath鈥檚 effortless way of describing depression is so on point it鈥檚 crazy. Her ability to put those life destroying feelings into words is amazing. Even within a promising good life, she鈥檚 taken down by crippling depression and self loathing.
This reviewer undermines her credibility by misspellings: "The Bell Jar is a book all on it's own" and "...The Catcher in the Rye, with it's discussions..." "It's" = contraction of "it is"; "its" = possessive.
What a beautiful comment. What humanity thank you.
