The bell jar (Join this European bookray!)
18 journalers for this copy...
I read this book after reading her correspondence and a part of her diaries, so I knew that everything in the novel was true. There is a lot of autobiographical elements in it. It is a story about the breakdown of a girl during a week in New York while she is supposed to build her future carier.The novel starts like an ordinary account of the usual girlish stuff- a girl-friend, a party, men and etc...then it goes deeper and deeper. The style is brilliant- sharp as knife, bright as a crystal. This is a dissection of one`s soul with astonishing honesty and clarity.
This is a second copy which I bought for trade or bookring- I don`t know yet.
This is a second copy which I bought for trade or bookring- I don`t know yet.
I started organising a bookray (Europe only).
It`s always open, so please PM at any time to join!
It`s always open, so please PM at any time to join!
Final order for the bookray (N.B> the bookray is always open,new participants will be added at the end of the list!)
1.Pink Elf (Romania)
2.Aquina (UK)
2.Chrisp93 (UK)
4.Olliebear (UK)
5.csvariation (UK,domestic shipping)
6.robert-walker(UK)
7.tembo (Germany)
8.Phoebus-Lazurd (mailing the book to Esofista)
9.Esofista (?)
10.fannynatalie (Austria)
11.Liz-de Luna (Greece)---pending to receive it
12.ichigochi,Portugal,int.
13.tiddlestania, UK int.
14.agschoolgrad (US, int.)
15.JeSuisBelle (Philippines)(no reply)
Bookray completed.
1.Pink Elf (Romania)
2.Aquina (UK)
2.Chrisp93 (UK)
4.Olliebear (UK)
5.csvariation (UK,domestic shipping)
6.robert-walker(UK)
7.tembo (Germany)
8.Phoebus-Lazurd (mailing the book to Esofista)
9.Esofista (?)
10.fannynatalie (Austria)
11.Liz-de Luna (Greece)---pending to receive it
12.ichigochi,Portugal,int.
13.tiddlestania, UK int.
14.agschoolgrad (US, int.)
15.JeSuisBelle (Philippines)(no reply)
Bookray completed.
I got the book today, together with another copy of this book from a relay. I will read the book anyway and send it to the next person in line. Thanks for sending it to me, bookmaniac70.
I haven't finished the book yet with all these exams and everything else. And I feel guilty to keep it here when I have another copy from a relay. So I will mail it friday, but when I will finish my copy I will come here and put a note. This way everything should be ok.
Well, I finished the book after all. The first half wasn't what I expected it to be, so I read it very slowly. But the second half worth it :) The world in those sanatoriums is fascinating me. I would like to go there (but neither as a patient nor a doctor!) and to study all the people they put there as crazy. I don't believe they are crazy, only different. They need attention and understanding, not electroshocks or pills or other stupid things like these ones. It's a good book but I still don't get it why the first half is there :-/
I will mail it this week to Aquina. Enjoy it! :)
Thanks again for puting me in your bookring, bookmaniac70 :)
I will mail it this week to Aquina. Enjoy it! :)
Thanks again for puting me in your bookring, bookmaniac70 :)
I felt the same way,PinkElf.I read some chapters at the beginning,then put the book away.I couldn`t get interested enough,simply.Then after a week or so I picked it up again,to discover that it becomes better and better until the end.I don`t know why it is- maybe a problem of writing style.I mean,this is her only novel,and she was writing a poetry mainly..so maybe it just happened like this that she found her true voice at the middle of the book.
I thought about this too and I think it has a purpose. She wanted to prove that every girl (every person in fact) has it's own problems and might seem crazy, when in fact everything it's so normal. I know a lot of persons with mind problems from time to time, and they are not closed up in a hospital. This is real life, sometimes you can't deal with things and you need a break. But some people don't let you be crazy from time to time and make you feel like a monster who needs to be hidden from the world. Actualy, the crazy ones are they who tell you that you're crazy. They are so obsessed with the idea of being normal that they forget to be themselves.
The book is stuck with PinkElf due to some new post regulations.Will be sent after things clear a bit.
Journal Entry 10 by Aquina from -- Somewhere in London 🤷♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Thursday, March 18, 2004
Here with me, safe and sound.
Multumesc,PinkElf! Mnogo blagodarya, bookmaniac70!
Multumesc,PinkElf! Mnogo blagodarya, bookmaniac70!
Journal Entry 11 by Aquina from -- Somewhere in London 🤷♀️ , Greater London United Kingdom on Thursday, September 30, 2004
It took me so long to finish this book because it was very hard for me to read it, specially because it reminded me of my own life experience. I had to put it down several times.This book has the clarity and the sharpness of glass, and it is absolutely honest and true. It doesn't romanticize depression or make it look atractive, but even so it is a very beautifull book.
Journal Entry 12 by Olliebear from Hull, East Yorkshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 20, 2004
This book has now arrived with me safely. I studied Sylvia Plath for my A levels and have a great admiration for her work, not so much for how she died but she had a lot of issues. I have read the first few chapters of this book but not all the way through. I didn't want to read it for a long time as I found I felt quite depressed when I thought about Plath, but now I am in a much happier place in my life and feel I could tackle it with fresh eyes. I am looking forward to this one.
I have another bookray to finish first then I will be onto this one. Thanks for sharing!
I have another bookray to finish first then I will be onto this one. Thanks for sharing!
Well, despite my really looking forward to reading this, I found it hard to get into and just wasn't enjoying it as much as I had hoped. I put on a brave face and persevered for a while, but ahd to give up as I didn't want to read it all and hate it. So, I will send it on, and hopefully catch up with it again one day and enjoy it more.
Sorry!
Going on to next person...
Sorry!
Going on to next person...
Thanks Olliebear and Bookmaniac70 - arrived with me today and should be getting to it in the next couple of days
Well, I picked this up just to look at the first couple of pages, and ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting, so a bit of a different story to others who had trouble getting into it.
The thing which really struck a chord with me was Esther's problem of commiting to anything, for fear of what making decisions means you have to give up. I was also really struck by the continual references to purity and cleansing, as if the mental confusion could be washed away if she tried hard enough.
A fascinating and powerful read.
The thing which really struck a chord with me was Esther's problem of commiting to anything, for fear of what making decisions means you have to give up. I was also really struck by the continual references to purity and cleansing, as if the mental confusion could be washed away if she tried hard enough.
A fascinating and powerful read.
Journal Entry 16 by R-W from Rotherham, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Saturday, November 27, 2004
Bookrings are like buses, you wait a long time and then three turn up at once :), this one arrived this morning, i have been waiting to read Plath for awhile now, so thanks to bookmaniac70 for organising this ring and thanks to csvariation for mailing it on to me.
I have some seious reading to do this weekend!
I have some seious reading to do this weekend!
I really enjoyed reading this. Like others before me, the first few chapters were a bit of a chore, but the book got better and better as esther problems got worse and worse, it was then that i felt that i could relate to this character, and her fears of being able to commit, her relationships with others, and her fears.
I'm glad to have read this book, and it will soon be on its way to the next person
I'm glad to have read this book, and it will soon be on its way to the next person
Journal Entry 18 by R-W from Rotherham, South Yorkshire United Kingdom on Thursday, December 16, 2004
Now on its way to tembo
The has arrived with me savely.
Unfortunately, I have to send on the book unread due to a lack of time. It's on its way to Phoebus-Lazurd.
Journal Entry 21 by Phoebus-Lazurd from Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Monday, February 7, 2005
just received it
in my TBR list
in my TBR list
Journal Entry 22 by Phoebus-Lazurd from Lisboa - City, Lisboa (cidade) Portugal on Thursday, April 7, 2005
well..
i really tried to read it.. but..
i guess i hab big expectations.. i prefer her poetry
perhaps one day i'll read it calmelly
the next person in list is fiod'agua, she's out of the country and not receiving Rings/Rays. She gave her time to Esofista. I'll hand it to her tomorrow.
i really tried to read it.. but..
i guess i hab big expectations.. i prefer her poetry
perhaps one day i'll read it calmelly
the next person in list is fiod'agua, she's out of the country and not receiving Rings/Rays. She gave her time to Esofista. I'll hand it to her tomorrow.
I have already the bell jar with me. I´ll read it and them give my opinion.
Thanks
Thanks
I don´t know if it is a problem of the Portuguese readers but I also didn´t like The Bell Jar. I really tried but the book did not arrest me, I found it flat. I already read Ariel and thought that I would like its chats but not, I am for the poetry. Before the book travelling internationally I will send it first to ichigochi, here in Portugal.
The book is with me now!
Thank you bookmaniac70 for organizing the Ray and ESofista for sending it over...
I will try to read it and pass it on as quick as possible.. :)
Thank you bookmaniac70 for organizing the Ray and ESofista for sending it over...
I will try to read it and pass it on as quick as possible.. :)
Contrarily to previous readers, I enjoyed this book very much... from the first to the last word.I agree that it can be divided into two distinct parts, but I was captivated from the beginning by the voice of the narrator. I began to read it, and read most of it, aloud to my husband, while he was driving, and maybe that helped in impersonating and feeling every single word...
It is sad to know that a few years later she did commit suicide, for the end of the book left room for hope... :(
The book will be sent tomorrow to fannynatalie.
Journal Entry 27 by 
fannynatalie
from Wien Bezirk 08 - Josefstadt, Wien Austria on Monday, August 8, 2005
fannynatalie from Wien Bezirk 08 - Josefstadt, Wien Austria on Monday, August 8, 2005
Just found the book in my mailbox. Have not ever read Sylvia Plath. Looking very much forward to it. Thanks!!! :-)
Journal Entry 28 by fannynatalie from Wien Bezirk 08 - Josefstadt, Wien Austria on Sunday, August 28, 2005
fannynatalie from Wien Bezirk 08 - Josefstadt, Wien Austria on Sunday, August 28, 2005
Read the book during my holidays in Greece and enjoyed it very much. To be honest I did not quite catch why Esther was so depressed, although I guess being an intelligent girl at that time was not so easy as nowadays. The fate of Joan was also a bad surprise for me, I would not have expected that.
After having finished "The Bell Jar" I read the three volumes of the autobiography of another author - Janet Frame (New Zealand) - who was wrongly put into psychiatric clinics for several years of her life, because she then (in the Forties/Fifties) seemed to be different than other girls of her age. I can only recommend these books for further reading on the subject.
After having finished "The Bell Jar" I read the three volumes of the autobiography of another author - Janet Frame (New Zealand) - who was wrongly put into psychiatric clinics for several years of her life, because she then (in the Forties/Fifties) seemed to be different than other girls of her age. I can only recommend these books for further reading on the subject.
Released 18 yrs ago (8/30/2005 UTC) at
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
The book goes to Luz-de-Luna (Greece).
The book goes to Luz-de-Luna (Greece).
I received this book a week ago, but I didn't have the time to log in earlier. Sorry!! :-)
I enjoyed it truly, from the very first line. It was so shocking and strong that at first I honestly thought it was her autobiography! I was slightly disappointed with the abrupt ending, though... I guess I needed to find out more about "Elly".
Thank you for giving me the chance to read it! It was my first read by Sylvia Plath.
(How are you, my dearest bookmaniac70? Missed you! :D )
Ready to send it to the next participant, as soon as I get their mailing info.
I enjoyed it truly, from the very first line. It was so shocking and strong that at first I honestly thought it was her autobiography! I was slightly disappointed with the abrupt ending, though... I guess I needed to find out more about "Elly".
Thank you for giving me the chance to read it! It was my first read by Sylvia Plath.
(How are you, my dearest bookmaniac70? Missed you! :D )
Ready to send it to the next participant, as soon as I get their mailing info.
Journal Entry 31 by Luz-de-Luna at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Monday, November 7, 2005
Released 18 yrs ago (11/4/2005 UTC) at To the next participant in Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
RELEASE NOTES:
Our fellow BookCrosser ichigochi has already read this book, so I'm sending this to tiddlestania!
Enjoy! (((((((((((Hugs))))))))))) from Greece! :-)
Our fellow BookCrosser ichigochi has already read this book, so I'm sending this to tiddlestania!
Enjoy! (((((((((((Hugs))))))))))) from Greece! :-)
Journal Entry 32 by tiddlestania from Burnley, Lancashire United Kingdom on Wednesday, November 9, 2005
Just received! I have another book to read at the moment, but I'm sure I'll get to this pretty soon.
Journal Entry 33 by tiddlestania from Burnley, Lancashire United Kingdom on Tuesday, February 7, 2006
I found that I enjoyed reading this book very much, despite the subject matter. Although it took me a long time to get round to picking it up, it only took me a few hours to read through it, as I was interested to find out what would happen to Esther next. Thanks bookmaniac for this ring - I'll pass the book on very soon.
Sorry, forgot to journal when received.
Ready for the next person.
Ready for the next person.
I am going to make this a book ray so the book can continue its journey.
Participants in order:
MandaJo - USA
acountkel - USA
Bookworm-lady - Spain
Bookray will be open for participants until received by the last person. Check back to confirm shipping order, as it may change......
Happy reading and Happy Journey to the book!
06/06/07 Book has reached final participant. Hope it had happy travels!
Participants in order:
MandaJo - USA
acountkel - USA
Bookworm-lady - Spain
Bookray will be open for participants until received by the last person. Check back to confirm shipping order, as it may change......
Happy reading and Happy Journey to the book!
06/06/07 Book has reached final participant. Hope it had happy travels!
Received in the mail yesterday. I've got a couple of rings ahead of this one, but I'd like to get to it by the end of next week. Thanks for including me!
I bet y'all are going to be surprised this got journaled. Thank you Mandajo. I understand you got a little behind on your rings/rays. I am glad this has started moving again and I am sure bookmaniac is too!
I have rings/rays ahead of this but I will get to it as soon as possible.
Thank you for including me!
I have rings/rays ahead of this but I will get to it as soon as possible.
Thank you for including me!
This was not my type of book. After reading “An Unquiet Mind” and “Girl Interrupted” , I should have realized this is not a book that was going to keep my interest. The writing is very choppy. The time and place changes through out the book and it is difficult to follow at times. I do think the story of Sylvia Plath is very interesting. And sad. I would probably be more interested in reading a book about her written by someone else.
I have PM'd the next person in line.
Will send off as soon as I receive her address.
I have PM'd the next person in line.
Will send off as soon as I receive her address.
It was waiting for me as I returned home from holidays!
I read it some years ago; I borrowed it from Palmers Green library when I was living in London.
Not comfort reading, as I remember; but strangely beautiful and sincere!
Looking forward to reading it again... Thanks for sharing, Agschoolgrad and Acountkel!
I read it some years ago; I borrowed it from Palmers Green library when I was living in London.
Not comfort reading, as I remember; but strangely beautiful and sincere!
Looking forward to reading it again... Thanks for sharing, Agschoolgrad and Acountkel!
I am currently reading it, and trying to find a good destiny for it when I finish, as I am last in the bookray.
It seems to be in many Wish lists, so it won't be difficult to find a home for this very good novel!
It seems to be in many Wish lists, so it won't be difficult to find a home for this very good novel!
As I said, not easy reading, but a wonderfully written novel.
The first part is deceivingly ligjt-hearted and funny, then starts the descent to mental disorders.
Knowing Ms Plath's ultimate end, it is most poignant...
A quotation:
"I knew I should be grateful (...), only I couldn't feel a thing. If (...) had given me a ticket to Europe, or a round-the-world cruise, it wouldn't have made one scrap of difference to me, because wherever I sat -on the deck of a ship or at a street café in Paris or Bangkok- I would be sitting under the same glass bell jar, stewing in my own sour air."
"I sank back in the grey, plush seat and closed my eyes. The air of the bell jar wadded round me and I couldn't stir."
Glad to have had the chance to reading it again.
Reserved for trade with Mozette, in Australia, who also wants to re-read it...
The first part is deceivingly ligjt-hearted and funny, then starts the descent to mental disorders.
Knowing Ms Plath's ultimate end, it is most poignant...
A quotation:
"I knew I should be grateful (...), only I couldn't feel a thing. If (...) had given me a ticket to Europe, or a round-the-world cruise, it wouldn't have made one scrap of difference to me, because wherever I sat -on the deck of a ship or at a street café in Paris or Bangkok- I would be sitting under the same glass bell jar, stewing in my own sour air."
"I sank back in the grey, plush seat and closed my eyes. The air of the bell jar wadded round me and I couldn't stir."
Glad to have had the chance to reading it again.
Reserved for trade with Mozette, in Australia, who also wants to re-read it...
Sent last evening to Mozette, as a "book swap".
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Well, this is my second book from a bookswap. I really have to get onto this and e-mail some people about what they'd like to read.
I've always wanted to read this book and have had a thing for Sylvia Plath for some years. And now, I've got her book in my hot little hands, it'll have to wait unfortunately until I've finished reading a bookring.
I've always wanted to read this book and have had a thing for Sylvia Plath for some years. And now, I've got her book in my hot little hands, it'll have to wait unfortunately until I've finished reading a bookring.
