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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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About this listen

 READ BY THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ACTRESS MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL

'A modern classic.' Guardian

'A near-perfect work of art.' Joyce Carol Oates

I was supposed to be having the time of my life . . .

Working as an intern for a New York fashion magazine in the summer of 1953, Esther Greenwood is on the brink of her future. Yet she is also on the edge of a darkness that makes her world increasingly unreal. Esther's vision of the world shimmers and shifts: day-to-day living in the sultry city, her crazed men-friends, the hot dinner dances . . . The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath's only novel, is partially based on Plath's own life. It has been celebrated for its darkly funny and razor sharp portrait of 1950s society, and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

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

'As clear and readable as it is witty and disturbing.' New York Times Book Review

©2015 Sylvia Plath (P)2015 Faber & Faber Classics Fiction Mental Health Awareness Women's Voices Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Witty Emotionally Gripping Mental Health

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All stars
Most relevant

Where does The Bell Jar rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of my top audible listens so far. I have read the book as a teenager and then again at university, so I know it very well. But listening to it brought it back to life again. Maggie Gyllenhaal's performance is wonderful and does justice to Plath's vivid yet lyrical writing.

Any additional comments?

The only complaint I have is that this recording omits the opening paragraphs of The Bell Jar. Perhaps the reflective opening paragraphs were omitted to make the audiobook lively and gripping from the very first words but it is a bit of a shame for those who know this book very well.

Wonderfully performed

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Fantastic reading by the narrator. I'd give it a full 5 overall, but heard its not entirely complete. So for those familiar with the book, I've taken it into account. Overall however, this is a superb production. Maggie Gyllenhaal fits Plath's voice perfectly. Highly recommend.

Superb

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What did you like most about The Bell Jar?

The honesty of the writing - my heart went out to this girl. Her depression and treatment was so well described - and while the character is not terribly likeable, I felt a great deal of sympathy for her. The writing is extremely good.

What other book might you compare The Bell Jar to, and why?

Kay Redfield Jamison "An Unquiet Mind & William Styron "Darkness Visible" both brilliant memoirs about depression.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Is enjoy the right word for any part of this book? - it's so painful.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A journey through depression.

A Harrowing Classic

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I loved this, having bought it as a Daily Deal and never heard of it before. The narration by Maggie Gyllenhaal suited the story perfectly, I really enjoyed her voice. It was a touching, intriguing tale of mental health, and I also enjoyed the story of Esther's work experience in New York. I will be recommending this book to friends, and will re-listen in future.

Intriguing story

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Loved this rendition by Maggie Gyllenhaal and can't believe I hadn't read/listened to it sooner. A great read, found it hard to stop. Would recommend.

I can't believe I hadn't read it sooner

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