This month I read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. It's a short book, but an intense one. The story of Esther in 1950's America teetering on the precipice of adulthood, but overwhelmed by life. Fighting a battle; her desires and expectations vs societies expectations of a woman in that era. The characters and situations are minutely observed, and beautifully written. The analogy of a bell jar for depression, the lowering of the jar bringing on the deadening of the senses; sight, sound, smell and joy. Plath's own battle is written here, it feels overwhelming just reading it. The feeling of being cut off from those around you, but watching as they carry on as normal, or their own version of normal. The book made me want to read all about Sylvia Plath. To understand her early life, her marriage to Ted Hughes, her literary successes, her children, Hughes then leaving her and Plath's final battle to the death. Her own tragic ending is at odds with the more hopeful ending she wrote for Esther. The Bell Jar is a beautiful piece of writing. Have you read any good books lately?
*The photo above was taken in Rome, lovely window isn't it?
