One of The Atlantic's Great American Novels, The Bell Jar is a realistic and emotional novel about a woman battling mental illness and societal pressures, written by the iconic American writer Sylvia Plath. The book chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood, a young, brilliant, beautiful, and enormously talented woman who is slowly going under, perhaps for the last time.
Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther's breakdown with such intensity that Esther's neurosis becomes completely understandable and even rational, as probable and accessible an experience as going to the movies. The thorough exploration of the dark and harrowing corners of the psyche, as well as the profound collective loneliness that modern society has yet to find a solution for, is an extraordinary accomplishment, and has made The Bell Jar a haunting American classic.
"It is this perfectly wrought prose and the freshness of Plath's voice in The Bell Jar that make this book enduring in its appeal," says USA Today. This P.S. edition features extra insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.
The Bell Jar is a powerful and deeply moving novel that delves into the complexities of mental illness, societal pressures, and the human experience. Plath's writing is both beautiful and haunting, drawing the reader into Esther's world with a rare intensity. The novel's enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the universal struggles of the human condition, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human psyche.
product information:
Attribute | Value | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
publisher | Harper Perennial Modern Classics; 1st edition (August 2, 2005) | ||||
language | English | ||||
paperback | 244 pages | ||||
isbn_10 | 0060837020 | ||||
isbn_13 | 978-0060837020 | ||||
lexile_measure | 1050L | ||||
item_weight | 7.8 ounces | ||||
dimensions | 5.31 x 0.65 x 8 inches | ||||
best_sellers_rank | #578 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #11 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction #25 in Classic Literature & Fiction #87 in Literary Fiction (Books) | ||||
customer_reviews |
|