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The Bell Jar

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The Bell Jar

By: Sylvia Plath
Narrated by: Maggie Gyllenhaal
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'A literary rite of passage.' The Times
'Plath changed our world.' Guardian

Esther is supposed to be having the time of her life. Her internship at a fashion magazine is a whirl of cocktail parties and dinner dates in the shimmering city. But why doesn't she feel anything? Back home in the suburbs, she is trapped inside a suffocating bell jar . She can't write her novel; her boyfriend is a hypocrite; there seems no point in getting out of bed. As she spirals into darkness, her world becomes increasingly unreal ...

An unflinchingly honest portrait of a young woman's breakdown, Sylvia Plath's iconic The Bell Jar has transformed the lives of millions of readers since it was first published in 1963. Its witty, acidic, razor-sharp voice will stay with you forever.

ONE OF THE BBC'S '100 NOVELS THAT SHAPED OUR WORLD'

Reader responses:
'Plath's masterpiece . . . It's amazing how relevant this book still is.'
'I just couldn't put it down.'
'Ever better than I expected.'

©2015 Sylvia Plath (P)2015 Faber & Faber Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Indigenous Creators Literary Fiction Mental Health Awareness Women's Voices Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Witty Mental Health
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All stars
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I hesitated to tackle this because of the subject matter however i am so glad I did. And the fact that the novel is based on real event makes it even more powerful. The main character’s intelligence and vulnerability are heartbreaking. Although very bleak at times, her struggles as a young woman finding her place in the world and her struggles with mental illness and treatment are relatable even today. And the reading of the novel was just beautiful.

Dont be put off by the subject matter

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I love this story but I do need to turn my earphones onto the highest setting and I find it hard to hear.

Audio is really quiet

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I loved this novel, I was so sad when it ended. I think the narrator does an excellent job at conveying the tone of the protagonist. I will say it is definitely of it’s time with some racist and fatphobic commentary, something to be aware of before reading!

Great Narrator and story

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The performance of Maggie Gyllenhaal really makes this book, she is great to listen to and really brings the main character come to life. The story is interesting and I enjoyed the book a lot.

Good story, great performance

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Maggie Gyllenhaal was an excellent narrator. One of the best audiobooks I've listened to, Sylvias writing is just so powerful and poignant.

outstanding

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