I was supposed to be having the time of my life. When Esther Greenwood wins an internship on a New York fashion magazine in 1953, she is elated, believing she will finally realise her dream to become a writer. But in between the cocktail parties and piles of manuscripts, Esther's life begins to slide out of control. She finds herself spiralling into serious depression as she grapples with difficult relationships and a society which refuses to take her aspirations seriously. The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath's only novel, was originally published in 1963 under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas. The novel is partially based on Plath's own life and descent into mental illness, and has become a modern classic.
Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath was an American poet, novelist, and short story writer known for her confessional style and exploration of themes such as mental illness, gender roles, and the complexities of human relationships. Her most notable works include the semi-autobiographical novel "The Bell Jar" and the poetry collection "Ariel," which was published posthumously.
Plath's writing is characterized by its raw emotion, vivid imagery, and unflinching honesty. She is credited with helping to redefine the genre of confessional poetry and has had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of writers.
Plath's most famous work is arguably her poem "Daddy," which delves into her complex relationship with her father and themes of power, control, and liberation. Despite her tragic death by suicide at the age of 30, Sylvia Plath's literary legacy continues to inspire and resonate with readers around the world.
Other related
Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams
And other prose writings
