The Bell Jar

The Bell Jar, by Sylvia Plath published in 1963 was Plath’s only novel; all of her other work is poetry, a fact that is evident simply by reading the book.  Her unique vision and outlook on life draws you in from page one.  It is a narrative about the struggle of a young woman in the 1950s just trying to get by on what she has but thwarted at every turn by the dissent in her mind.  Even though the protagonist is falling down into clinical depression the style of writing remains light and humorous (at least in my opinion).  She makes being depressed seem funny and almost normal, as though the logical next step in a person’s history is to fall into a depression which lands you in a mental institute.
    For any person who has felt depression I strongly suggest you read this.  On almost every page you find yourself nodding in assent to what is being said or felt, well remembering that same feeling. 
    I do believe that my favorite part of The Bell Jar had to be the cover. The bright, vivid colors humorously contrast the content of the book and draw you in thinking (if you don’t already know what the book is about) that you are in for an interesting, light-hearted novel.
    I think this a good book for every girl.  Maybe it doesn’t exactly project the typical fairy-tale message but it does help you understand and relate to others.  It helps you to realize that, no, you are not alone in the world.  Yes, most girls do feel that hopeless feeling and resort to extreme measures.  And yes, it does get better, and you can stop feeling that way.  Not to mention it does it in a way that doesn’t make you feel worse, it is strangely uplifting.  So yes, maybe it appears to be a seriously depressing story that many might not want to read, but honestly it isn’t and you will be glad that you picked it up.

    I laughed.

-S