Go to main contentsGo to search barGo to main menu
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 6:30 AM

Book Review – The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

A book review from Viviane -- her theme this week "nostalgia"
Book Review – The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Author: Photo provided by Mike Krzeszak

Sylvia Plath’s book is a classic, and nostalgic of authors of the period.

The Bell Jar is about Esther Greenwood in 1953 who is a part of an internship program at a prominent magazine. She humorously speaks about her friends and love interests through her time there, but does not steer away from the dark and despicable things that happen.

After not being eligible for a writing course, and being nearly raped, as well as being cut out of opportunities due to her economic status, Esther becomes severely mentally ill – similar to that of Plath’s life journey.

The novel is nostalgic in the best of ways because it does not brush away the period’s darkness.

There are heavy thematic discussions on mental health, femininity, and socioeconomic differences. All of this happening while Greenwood is living outside of her home for the first time.

This novel is a reminder to those who grew up learning how to navigate the world, and a great read for those about to make a major step in their lives. Reading this in a transition period between schools, careers, towns, or other major events is specifically heartening and allows the audience to find solace through the story of a woman who can get through anything.

 

 

 

 

Never miss the local news -- read more on The Fallon Post home page.

If you enjoy The Fallon Post, please support our effort to provide local, independent news and make a contribution today. Your contribution makes possible this online news source for all things Fallon.

The Fallon Post -- 1951 W. Williams #385, Fallon, Nevada 89406

 


Share
Rate

Comment

Comments

Rachel Katz 07/29/2020 11:46 PM
Beautifully written article Viv! I’ll have to read this now.

COMMENTS
Comment author: Nicole GalbraithComment text: Farren - I just saw that you aren’t here with us. I am completely in shock! I met you and hung out with you so many years ago with Jer, and Eden. I honestly can’t believe you are gone…..you were a wonderful human being, with a HUGE heart and soul. Hearing this makes my heart break! You are forever in our hearts, and I can say I feel blessed that I was able to know you! Rest easy sweet Farren xoxoComment publication date: 3/23/26, 12:30 PMComment source: Obituary- Farren CrosslandComment author: Tiffany LundleeComment text: I will miss you so very much Bryan. It was always fun visiting you guys. And always talking about what Jon and Aaron use to do as goofy teenagers I will miss you very muchComment publication date: 3/21/26, 12:12 PMComment source: Bryan Taylor Anderson C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment text: A wonderful tribute. Thank you Kelli Kelly.Comment publication date: 3/21/26, 8:12 AMComment source: In memorium -- The Melon ManComment author: Bob SondgrothComment text: There are times when you should just know about someone. Who and what they REALLY were. Because they were devotional and IMPORTANT to the humans they connected with. The content of their life bled so that others could feel their own life’s importance. Teachers of justifiable life and art. That all can absorb and use as the best fertilizer for THEIR lives. Giving the silent secrets and the loud guidance. The Melon Man was a perfect specimen for how to devote. His passing meant a life book of feeling/knowing what gives other humans their paths to Love and Knowledge. Some humans are meant to show others their paths. And in that they secrete ways to profitably exist.Comment publication date: 3/18/26, 4:50 PMComment source: In memorium -- The Melon Man
SUPPORT OUR WORK