Fall From Grace

The Bell Jar
Author: Sylvia Plath (first published under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas)
Publisher: Heinemann
Date: 1963

I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart: I am, I am, I am.

Esther Greenwood is the girl who has it all: youth, talent, beauty and an internship at a leading women’s magazine. She is, however, slowly falling apart. Flowing, lyrical and darkly beautiful, The Bell Jar is the tale of Esther’s descent into madness, and is largely considered to be semi-autobiographical. Plath uses poetic devices throughout the novel, giving it an intense, haunting tone that helps to draw the reader into the novel, making Esther’s depression palpable. Despite being peppered with now out-dated witty observations about current events and gender roles and including obsolete psychiatric treatments, The Bell Jar withstands the test of time and remains a classic.

Recommended for: 18+ years

If you like this book, try: The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
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