The Shutter of Snow (Faber Editions): 'Extraordinary.' Lucy Ellmann

The Bell Jar is a lost 1930 foremother of Sylvia Plath's novel. It follows the psychological journey of a new mother who experiences madness and is admitted to Gorestown State Hospital. The novel is a startling, luminous, and magnetic portrayal of motherhood and mental illness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Claire-Louise Bennett's The Bell Jar is a lost 1930 foremother of Sylvia Plath's masterpiece. It is a psychological journey of a new mother, exploring the depths of madness and the complexities of motherhood. The novel is astonishing and moving, with a powerful and unforgettable voice that was years ahead of its time.

The story follows Marthe Gail, a woman who believes she is God or Jesus Christ, and her baby, whom she believes is dead. She is admitted to Gorestown State Hospital, where she meets fellow patients who become friends and enemies. The novel explores the blurred lines between reality and madness, and the struggles of the patients to navigate their way through the hospital.

The writing is raw and powerful, with vivid descriptions of the hospital and the patients' experiences. Bennett's portrayal of madness is haunting and evocative, and the novel's exploration of motherhood is complex and nuanced. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the novel's themes of identity, trauma, and recovery are universal.

The Bell Jar has been praised by critics and readers alike for its innovative and groundbreaking approach to storytelling. It is a timeless portrayal of madness and motherhood that continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you are a fan of Sylvia Plath or a newcomer to her work, The Bell Jar is a must-read that will leave you thinking and feeling deeply.

Weight: 172g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571375202
Edition number: Main