Book Review// The Bell Jar & Now Reading...

It was in the summer of 2005 that I first met Sylvia Plath during my high school years. Plath’s most beloved and critically acclaimed poem “Tulips” was one of the poems that we had to study as part of the English paper. 

Honestly, I was not a fan of poetry. The complex nature and not so straight-forwardness attitude of poetry troubled me. However, it was a different one when I met with Plath’s Tulips. 

It could be because I was able to relate myself to the poem. Ever since then, my fondness for poetry has known no leaps and bounds.

I was also deeply saddened to learn that such a gifted poet and a novelist struggled with mental illness and committed suicide. 

Recently I met her again. This time, with her only semi-autobiographical novel, The Bell Jar, published posthumously. 

It is amazing how this book, written more than half a century ago still resonates to me today about my personal experiences with depression and suicides, my arguments on gender roles, why only women are the ones left with major responsibility of childbirth and taking care of the child and household etc.

Reading the book, I realized that I’m not alone. I could totally relate myself to Esther Greenwood in the book. It’s even more amazing how humankind remains the same regardless of time, no matter what. 

Throughout the book, I was filled with a sense of fright. I was afraid for Esther. What if she slit her wrists with those boxes full of razors? If she doesn’t want shock therapy, leave her alone. 

It became so gloomy for me sometimes that I thought it depressed me. You may say that I was not able to control my mind. Or I was not able to differentiate between the literal and the real world. Yes, I was. But I couldn’t help it. 

Often times, I wonder how a book can impact the reader. And The Bell Jar is no exception. 

Indeed, it’s not a cheerful read. But if you’re interested, I would highly recommend you know the story of Plath’s life and death before you delve into the book. 

When I realized that The Bell Jar had had quite a serious impact on me, I thought I wanted some lighter read. So I bought Looking for Alaska and I am Malala. I know splurging on books is bad for my savings. I go into a bookshop with just a book on my mind and emerge out of it buying two or more. I hoard the books like a hungry lioness and my reading list is becoming never ending now. Sigh!  

Mentally, I’m not prepared to read I am Malala after this serious read. So I will take a break in Looking for Alaska. Books like I am Malala need some serious and empathetic heart and will power, I presume. 

I’m a huge fan of John Green after The Fault in Our Stars. Who isn’t? I hope I won’t be disappointed by Looking for Alaska. I have just started and I love Miles and Alaska for now. With the recent weather in Thimphu, it has been a perfect time to snuggle in bed with a book and hot chocolate. 

What are you currently reading?