The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath by sylvia plath

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This is a book that would likely be most effectively read in the manner in which it was composed, perhaps a page or two at a time, spread out over the course of several years. Reading approximately 700 pages all at once can be an overwhelming experience. Sylvia Plath was indeed a talented writer, a perceptive and intelligent woman. However, spending an extended period of time within the confines of her mind is not a comfortable experience, even for an observer. Of course, being aware of the ending in advance provides the reader with a certain advantage over Plath and imparts an unintended layer of irony to numerous entries. It also elicits an involuntary little shiver when encountering comments such as "I desire the things which will destroy me in the end."

This book, with its complex and often disturbing themes, requires a careful and measured approach to fully appreciate. It is not a work that can be easily digested in one sitting, but rather one that demands to be savored and contemplated over time.

The reader must be prepared to confront the darkness and turmoil that lies within Plath's words, and to grapple with the profound questions that she poses about life, death, and the human condition.

In conclusion, this book is a challenging but ultimately rewarding read, one that will stay with the reader long after the final page has been turned.

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ramenhotline

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This was my year-long reading project, which I managed to successfully and satisfactorily complete.

I really like reading diaries, and there were many things I liked in these: how critical Plath is, how she searches for herself, how she wanders. Her notes are extremely mature, and her self-discipline simultaneously frightened me and aroused my admiration.

It so happened that at a certain time I was reading both the Diaries and "The Mystique of Femininity" simultaneously. It was amazing to find in the thoughts of the young Plath what Betty Friedan later wrote about on a scale of an entire generation of women like Plath.

The social pressure that Plath feels, how she tries to break free while simultaneously wanting to stay on the beaten paths for women, both in her and in me during reading, aroused frustration and a sense of injustice.

I recommend it to all fans of diaries, those interested in literature, the creative process, and the struggle with expectations.

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K4tsuoKun

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I don't want to rate these newspapers. Reading them was a very important experience for me.

Each newspaper has its own unique characteristics and perspectives. Some provide in-depth analysis of current events, while others focus on entertainment and lifestyle.

By reading different newspapers, I was able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world around me.

I also learned how to evaluate the reliability and credibility of the information presented.

In addition, reading newspapers helped me improve my language skills and expand my vocabulary.

Overall, although I don't want to rate these newspapers, I am grateful for the opportunity to have read them and the valuable experience they have given me.

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sketchhaven

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

**The Journals of Sylvia Plath**

Sylvia Plath's journals are a remarkable and essential piece of literary history. From the age of eleven until her untimely death at thirty, she meticulously recorded her life. These journals are not just a simple account of her daily activities but a vivid and intense exploration of her inner thoughts, feelings, and the complex web of her daily existence.

The immediacy with which she writes gives the reader an intimate and raw look into the mind of a brilliant and troubled writer. They serve as a crucial source for understanding her early writing and provide a detailed portrait of the woman who would go on to produce some of the most extraordinary poems in the last seven months of her life, solidifying her reputation as one of the greatest poets of the twentieth century.
The translations and multiple editions of these journals, such as the ones with the contributions of Ted Hughes and the editorial work of Frances McCullough, have made them accessible to a wider audience. The Persian translations by Mahsa Malek Marzban have also introduced Plath's work to a new group of readers in Iran.
Plath's journals are more than just a diary; they are a treasure trove of her subconscious, a source of inspiration for her later works, and a window into the life and creative process of a literary giant.

These journals are a must-read for anyone interested in Sylvia Plath, modern literature, or the power of the written word to capture the essence of a human life.

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Haru309

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Reading Plath is an experience that can be likened to playing a gamble. You are constantly on the edge of your seat, never quite sure what to expect from the next line. It could be the most profound and relatable Tumblr-esque line about the struggles and joys of being a woman in this complex world. It might touch on themes of identity, self-discovery, and the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society. On the other hand, it could also be a completely uncalled for and unnecessarily racist observation. This unpredictability adds an element of excitement and danger to reading Plath's work. It forces you to grapple with her words, to question her intentions, and to decide for yourself whether her ideas are valid or not.

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Delgado1001

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

There were certain moments while reading this book that I simply had to put it down. The reason being that the feelings depicted within its pages are so incredibly vivid that one can't help but feel like an intruder. It's as if you are peeking into the most private and intimate corners of someone's life.

There are numerous quotes from her journal that describe in dark and detailed fashion the feelings that I am certain many women experience. These include the emotions felt when they are on their own for the very first time, when they are falling in love, when they have their hearts broken, when they are scared of failure, when they get married, and even when they find themselves alone.

This book truly has a profound impact. It makes you reflect on your own life and the various emotions that you have gone through or may yet experience. Loved this book with all my heart. It's a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex and often tumultuous world of a woman's emotions.

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Zerathus

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I decided to read this for two main reasons. Firstly, Sylvia Plath intrigued me deeply. Her works and life story have always been a source of fascination for me. Secondly, I knew that reading her journals could potentially help me improve my own journal entries. I believed that by studying her writing style and the way she expressed her thoughts and emotions, I could learn a great deal and apply it to my own writing.

It is truly astonishing to think about the fact that she was so young when she wrote these journals. I often found myself having to remind myself of this, as her words seemed far beyond her years. She had an extremely mature perspective on life, which was quite remarkable. I would read only 20 or 30 pages at a time, as her writing was so full of intense introspection. I had to constantly go back and reread passages, reflecting on my own life and engaging in some serious soul-searching. It was an exhausting process, but at the same time, it was incredibly worthwhile.

The first half of this book is absolutely remarkable. It is hard to believe that it is just a journal. However, after she got married, I noticed a significant change in her tone. Her journaling seemed to be permanently altered. She seemed to diminish herself in comparison to the "great Ted Hughes". She refrained from "nagging" him, while he could freely do so to her, all because of his supposed "superior seat". In her eyes, he was always the better, bigger, and smarter one. It was quite disappointing to see that her feminist words from before were not put into action, and she became rather submissive, accepting too much of his behavior and betrayals. I understand the misogynistic era in which she lived, but after being so completely compelled by her words, I cannot deny that her submission bothered me.

The introspection that was so prominent in the first half of the book seemed to halt, and her diaries started to resemble a dull list of clipped everyday happenings and to-do lists. The student Sylvia was interesting, incredibly eloquent, and contemplative. She was alive and full of color, even during her worst depressions. However, the working, married Sylvia seemed washed out and colorless. But it was during this time that she wrote her most important masterpieces. So, I suppose she simply transplanted her magic from journaling to higher purposes.

This book was a long and tough read. It took me forever to finish, but it was more than worth it. Sylvia Plath was truly something else. Her words have the power to transcend journaling and touch the hearts and minds of readers.

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Mister_WD

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Sylvia's words cut deep.

"This loneliness will blur and diminish, no doubt, when tomorrow I plunge again into classes, into the necessity of studying for exams. But now, that false purpose is lifted and I am spinning in a temporary vacuum. At home I rested and played, here, where I work, the routine is momentarily suspended and I am lost. There is no living being on earth at this moment except myself."

These words seem to describe a state of profound isolation and confusion. The idea that the false purpose of daily activities can be suddenly lifted, leaving one adrift in a vacuum, is both relatable and disturbing. It makes me wonder if we all experience these moments of disorientation, when the familiar patterns of our lives are disrupted and we are left to face our true selves. Sylvia's words serve as a reminder that even in the midst of a busy and seemingly purposeful life, there are times when we feel completely alone and lost.

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The Unabridged Journals of Sylvia Plath

sylvia plath karen v. kukil

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