Sometimes a book comes to you at the perfect time in life. For me, that is this book. I do think I would have liked it if I read it earlier in life, but it might have hit me harder. I needed to be where I am now, in the headspace I am now, to really get hit with everything Sylvia packed in this story.

A beautiful example of how a ‘classic’ can be written in an approachable way. That in 2024 we can still pick up this story and feel relevant. Someone’s situation might be so different to your own today, but the stress inside our brains can be so alike. I cannot pin point what it was, but the words flew off the page. I was transfixed. The depth and the way she was able to explain these dark feelings clicked. I’m almost at a loss for words how to describe this emotional reaction I had to this book. All I can say is, read it for yourself.

It should be noted, there are some ‘cringe’/inappropriate/racist comments/scenarios. These moments were as horrible then as they are now. It’s not that it ‘didn’t age well’ or ‘it was acceptable then’ … it is simply wrong.

Yet, the story spoke to me. The background of the story. The introduction of Sylvia’s path. The side googling I did to really understand this author and why we don’t have more books from her.

I can say, this book might not be for everyone. It touched me and for that, I’m thankful.

Amazon Link – The Bell Jar By: Sylvia Plath