The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath

100-Word (or Less) Synopsis: [from the publisher] “The Bell Jar” chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful, but slowly going under — maybe for the last time. Sylvia Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther's breakdown with such intensity that Esther's insanity becomes completely real and even rational, as probable and accessible an experience as going to the movies.

Expectation: Dark, depressing and overrated.

Reality: A gorgeously written but heartbreakingly real portrayal of a woman grappling with mental illness who desperately wants a way out — either by her own hand or through treatment.

Recommended For: Fans of the classics or people interested in reading Sylvia Plath for the first time.

Why I Read It: I had never read anything by Plath, and this is the only title available as an audiobook.

My take:

Similar to my feelings upon finishing other literary classics, I’m glad to have read “The Bell Jar,” but can also firmly state that it is not for me.

Until reading “Jar” my understanding of Sylvia Plath stemmed from the tragic way she committed suicide at 30-years-old and at the height of her creative output. This led to an assumption that everything written by her would be bleak and dejecting, and I, admittedly, had little interest in ever tackling her work.

“The Bell Jar” seemed the most accessible, not only because it is a semi-autobiographical novel that could broaden my understanding of her life, but also because it’s the only title in her bibliography that is available as an audiobook — my preferred format for difficult reads.

While the story is tragic, and at times overwhelmingly sad, the sly humor, astute social commentary and lush writing — not surprising since Plath is more well-known as a poet — scattered throughout makes it easier to stay invested when scene after scene of Esther Greenwood’s (Plath’s proxy) descent into depression becomes too much to bear.

In many ways “The Bell Jar” reminded me of “The Catcher in the Rye,” another story set in post-World War II New York City. Both follow an individual grappling with mental illness and annoyed by the expectations of the time period. And both novels have assumed the mantle of notable works — “Jar” for early feminism and “Rye” for counterculture.

With that said, “The Bell Jar,” is far, far better. Not only for its portrayal of a bygone era and the ridiculous ways women were treated versus men, but also for the depth of emotion that Plath puts into Esther’s struggle to fix herself and live the life expected of her, even if it isn’t the one she wants.

If we are to believe that Esther is Sylvia, then I am saddened for her. She wanted so much more than what her mind allowed. If she were born later would her experience not be one of sanitariums and electroshock therapy and instead sympathetic and tailored treatment?

We’ll never know the answer, but the “The Bell Jar” is a poignant portrait of a writer rich with talent and torment that died before fully realizing their power as an artist. I’d be interested to read some of her poetry at some point, but I’m not in a rush.

Regarding the audiobook, I’d suggest this format if you’re interested in experiencing Plath but worried about making it through the more difficult sections. Maggie Gyllenhaal infuses the narration with the perfect blend of disaffection and resolve that seems true to Plath’s voice.

Rating (story): 4/5 stars

Rating (narration): 4/5 stars

Format: Audiobook (library loan)

Dates read: September 17 - 20, 2020

Multi-tasking: Okay, but you’ll miss Plath’s gorgeous writing.