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?
I am reading my way through Elizabeth Taylor's complete book of short stories, which I think are excellent. Many of them I have read before in smaller hardback books. There is a lovely introduction by her daughter in this Virago edition which gives some delightful background to several of the tales. I much prefer the short stories to her novels.
ReplyDeleteI watched the dramatization of 'Room at the Top' this week and thought it so much better than the 60's film. Now I am keen to read the book.
Thank you SMG, Elizabeth Taylor is in my tbr pile, I have read Room At The Top, loved it, not see the film or the dramatisation though.
DeleteI've been reading a few crime thrillers over the summer, I particularly enoyed Stephen Booth's latest Cooper and Fry novel. I've picked up 'The Bell Jar' several times and wondered about reading it but felt, knowing a little about Syliva Plath, that it might be very emotional and that I would have to be in the right mood to cope with it, perhaps one day I'll try it:)
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't too hard, but I probably wouldn't read it up in February!
DeleteI read it years ago and loved it....hers is indeed an amazing story..... I have Ted Hughes birthday Letters still in my 'to read' pile!!
ReplyDeleteI have only read The Iron Man and The Iron Woman, with the children, I must read Birthday Letters
DeleteMany years since I read it but I remember I was struck by how powerful it was.
ReplyDeleteAmazing window, leopard print must be in fashion at the moment!
Thank you VR
DeleteI read it years ago, should re read it it was so powerful. I am reading ford maddox ford, the good soldier at the moment. Decided to go back to the classics as nothing out now grabs me. What is next on your list?
ReplyDeleteMy next read is Cloud Atlas, which I started ages ago, and didn't finish, it's my book club choice
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