Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
38(38%)
4 stars
24(24%)
3 stars
37(37%)
2 stars
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1 stars
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99 reviews
July 15,2025
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Reading Sylvia Plath's diaries is to immerse oneself in a profound introspection that inevitably makes us see ourselves reflected in her words. Plath wrote with a heart-wrenching honesty. One of the most impactful fragments states: "Yes, I was crazy about you and still am […] I cut because I couldn't bear to be a whim, because before giving my body I must give my thoughts, my spirit, my dreams, and you weren't interested in any of that." This passage reveals the essence of her life and work, where the duality between the desire to be loved and her longing for authenticity painfully intertwines.


This diary offers us a deep vision of who Sylvia Plath was, of the loves and shadows that defined her life and her writing. The first half of the book is the most raw and emotional, especially considering that we are reading the intimate thoughts of someone who, with her words, strips naked before the reader. It is impossible not to feel the transformation she experiences under the shadow of Ted Hughes; her admiration for him turns into a chain that places her in the background, making her question her own convictions and even her feminist voice. It is frustrating and, at the same time, moving to see how Sylvia fades away for love, how she silences and submits, losing part of her essence.


Many readers criticize the second half of the diary, but to me it seems fascinating. Here we see a more everyday, human Sylvia, with gray days and bright moments that stand out in the midst of her own shadows. These passages, although less intense, show the complexity of a life that was not only tragedy but also routine, doubts, and small moments of peace.


Although the book can feel long and at times exhausting, each page provides a key piece to understand the mind of Sylvia Plath. It is an essential read for those who seek to know not only the poet but also the woman, with all her contradictions and her struggle to be herself in a world that seemed destined to crush her.

July 15,2025
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I remember that "Aprensiones" was the first poem I read by Sylvia and it impressed me with the raw pain it reflects.

So immediately I felt attracted to her work and her figure. The reading of her diaries allowed me to enter her thoughts and verify her genius in all aspects.

Her reflections on life, death, decadence, literary creation, motherhood, and the place that women occupied in the society of her time are unmissable.

I highly recommend this book, even if one has not read Sylvia before. The Alba edition is precious, containing some photographs and drawings, as well as several images of handwritten parts of the diaries.

She was a great writer who suffered until she could no longer bear it.

It is truly a remarkable work that offers a deep insight into the mind and soul of a talented and tortured artist.

Whether you are a fan of Sylvia's work or simply interested in exploring the inner world of a creative genius, this book is sure to captivate and inspire you.

So don't hesitate to pick it up and embark on this journey of discovery.
July 15,2025
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I gave these 5 stars not to a novel, but to an extraordinary past and self-written.

It's not just a simple rating. It represents a deep appreciation for that unique period of time and the words that emerged from within.

The experience of that past was like a precious gem, shining with its own light and beauty.

And the act of self-writing was a journey of self-discovery and expression.

Through writing, I was able to capture the essence of those moments and share them with the world.

These 5 stars are a testament to the power of memory and the magic of writing.

July 15,2025
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The original article is not provided, so I can't rewrite and expand it specifically. However, I can give you a general example of how to expand an article to 300 words.

Let's assume the original article is: "The cat is sleeping on the mat."

Expanded version:

The cute little cat is peacefully sleeping on the soft mat. Its fur is smooth and shiny, and it looks so cozy. The mat provides a comfortable place for the cat to take a nap. The cat's eyes are closed, and it seems to be in a deep sleep. It doesn't move at all, as if it is completely relaxed. Maybe it is having a nice dream. The sunlight is shining through the window, and it creates a warm and gentle atmosphere in the room. The cat is enjoying this moment of tranquility and relaxation.



You can follow a similar pattern to expand your own article. Just describe the details, add more adjectives and adverbs, and explain the situation more fully. If you can provide the original article, I will be able to give you a more accurate and detailed expansion.
July 15,2025
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Sylvia Plath's life is an intense and fascinating subject. She was a brilliant writer and a passionate, complex woman. Even at the young age of eighteen, her mind had remarkable depth and keen insight. However, the Unabridged Journal has its drawbacks. Unfortunately, parts of her significant and critical period in life were destroyed by her husband. Reading the journal can be a bit of a slog at times, as it is a journal and naturally has its challenges. It is better to read it in small bites.

Plath's words are profound and thought-provoking. She wrote, "I can never read all the books I want; I can never be all the people I want and live all the lives I want." She was acutely aware of the limitations in her life but still had a burning desire to experience everything. She also said, "I love people. Everybody." Her love for people was like that of a stamp collector for his collection, using every story and incident as raw material for her writing.
However, Plath also struggled with her identity as a woman. She wrote, "Being born a woman is my awful tragedy." She felt that her femininity circumscribed her life and that her interest in men was often misconstrued. Despite these challenges, she remained determined to live life to the fullest and experience all that it had to offer.
July 15,2025
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I listened to this extremely long audio book over the course of a few days. I have to confess that it was the worst approach.

I firmly believe that it should be physically read, a few chunks at a time, in order to be fully immersed in the works. I discovered it to be incredibly interesting. It was so raw and personal that it felt as if I was sitting there, having a coffee with Sylvia Plath and listening to her tales.

It is simply impossible to consume any of her works without thinking about her tragic death. I had to constantly stop myself from dwelling too much on it. However, I'm glad that I read it.

Unfortunately, there is only one short story of hers available in my book app. But perhaps I'll manage to find it elsewhere.

This experience has made me realize the importance of the physical act of reading and how it can enhance the connection with the author's words.

It has also left me with a greater appreciation for Sylvia Plath's unique writing style and the profound emotions she was able to convey.

I look forward to exploring more of her works in the future and continuing to be inspired by her literary genius.

July 15,2025
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I really like the way Sylvia keeps her diaries. She is extremely descriptive, plays with formats, and strolls through her emotions with an enviable rationality.

More than understanding her work, this compilation serves to understand her relationship with her mother and with her loves.

Spoiler: I hate you, Ted Hughes.

Her diaries offer a unique insight into her inner world, allowing us to see the complex web of her emotions and experiences.

We can witness her joys, her sorrows, her moments of inspiration, and her bouts of self-doubt.

It is as if we are peeking into the private thoughts of a brilliant and tortured soul.

And through it all, we can sense the profound impact that her mother and her loves had on her life.

The relationship with her mother was likely a source of both comfort and conflict, while her love for Ted Hughes seems to have been a tumultuous and ultimately tragic affair.

Overall, Sylvia's diaries are a fascinating and valuable piece of literature that offer a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential poets of the 20th century.
July 15,2025
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It is a truly chilling experience to read this account.

If you maintain a journal of your own, you likely comprehend just how strange it is to envision people worldwide curling up with it.

I, being a self-confessed voyeur, simply couldn't resist this peek into her mind.

As always, Ted had a say in what we, and more significantly, her children, would know of her.

He stated, "I destroyed [the last of her journals] because I did not want her children to have read it (in those days I regarded forgetfulness as an essential part of survival)."

Yes, it is indeed disappointing to know that those words are forever lost.

Fortunately, she has other means of guiding us through the darkest portals of her mind, and I am grateful for the challenge of this journey.

It makes one wonder what secrets and insights those destroyed journals might have held.

Perhaps they would have provided an even deeper understanding of her complex psyche.

Nevertheless, we must make do with the remaining fragments and try to piece together the story as best we can.

The journey into her mind may be arduous, but it is also a fascinating and rewarding one.

July 15,2025
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The monk Shloun received all your feelings, fears, details of your life, and your thoughts, which were accurately described in the diaries of a poet from the last century in a distant continent from your place. It moved me a great deal and touched my heart.

Imagine the connection that could exist between you and this unknown poet through the words recorded in those diaries. It's as if time and distance have been bridged, allowing your emotions to resonate with those from a different era and place.

Perhaps there are hidden meanings and commonalities that only you can truly understand. This encounter with the poet's words might have opened up a new perspective for you, making you reflect on your own life and experiences in a deeper way.

It's a beautiful and mysterious experience that shows how art and literature can have a profound impact on our lives, even when they come from unexpected sources.

July 15,2025
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The section from the book:

"The greatest enemy of creativity is self-doubt. You are very worried about the need that comes forward, the need for independence, facing this big world that humiliates a person. You are broken, your whole body and soul show resistance against having a specific role, a special life that perhaps cannot fulfill your expectations. Forced to live a creative life for yourself, before expecting something from another person, present the present and ready life to you."

This book is actually a section of Sylvia Plath's daily memoirs that she wrote for herself during her youth and was published by her husband Ted Hughes after her death. This American poet and writer was a woman with a restless and impatient interior, and the achievements in her life path were never enough for her. At the age of thirty, she ended her life with her second suicide attempt, and her death also had various reactions from the feminists at that time. The short life of this writer is full of mysteries, and a part of it is written in her memoirs. Of course, her memoirs were published to the readers after some parts were deleted by her husband and the publishers.
July 15,2025
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Sylvia Plath is a highly regarded and influential poet. Her works are filled with raw emotions, vivid imagery, and profound insights into the human condition. Many people estimate and appreciate her talent and the unique voice she brought to the literary world.

However, the relationship between Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes is a complex and often controversial one. Some may even say that she hated Ted Hughes. Their marriage was tumultuous, marked by conflicts and difficulties.

Plath's feelings towards Hughes might have been influenced by various factors, such as his infidelity and the strain it put on their relationship. Her poems often reflect her inner turmoil and the pain she endured during that time.

Despite the challenges in their relationship, both Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes made significant contributions to the field of literature. Their works continue to be studied and analyzed, and their story remains a captivating and tragic one.
July 15,2025
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I was truly in awe as I delved into all 700 pages or so of this remarkable work. What an extraordinary life Sylvia Plath led, and what a beautiful, powerful writer she was. Despite facing rejection, she had a dogged spirit. Her diaries have been my constant companions over the past few months. It is such an honor to be able to read the inner workings of her mind. However, one does question the morality of Hughes' decision to publish her diaries posthumously.

Reading about her depression throughout her life was difficult, especially when contrasted with those sweet moments of her adoration and belief in the beauty of life. Her words, like "I am part of all that I have met," are truly profound. She had a deep well of living within her, filled with all the names and places. And she was always striving for progress, always seeking to learn more.
Her authenticity and vulnerability made me feel not alone in the patterns and questions of life. We can all relate to the challenges of love, of making it in the world as an artist, of rejection, of moving countries, and of children and motherhood. I apologize for this long winding review, but I felt I needed to do justice to this amazing work. It is an epic in the most human way. And when she asks, "Can you understand? Someone, somewhere, can you understand me a little, love me a little?" my answer is a resounding yes!

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