This is not one of those books that will overwhelm you. It is in its brilliance so quiet, so unobtrusive; if you don't pay full attention to every line of the text, its subtle depth will elude you before you can say "cookie".

Silvija Plat is very good at capturing the complexity of ordinary moments and presenting them with vivid, lifelike descriptions. The stories, although simple, provide room for reflection and an opportunity to dig beneath the surface of our daily lives. Meanwhile, the darkness that Silvija carried within herself is omnipresent and often emerges from unexpected corners.

All the stories are like this except for the title one, which, to be honest with you, bored me like a Kinder egg. In a surreal style, it explores various aspects of the human subconscious, fears, desires, and inner conflicts. And it has a dangerous kick with the gods. Those 20 pages, in my opinion, do a much better job than "The Bell Jar" was supposed to on 220 (and this is coming from someone who actually loves "The Bell Jar").

For some stories, it seemed to me that they had no point and I think I will have to go back to them. These are exactly the ones where my concentration slipped. Among other things, I had already read "Meri Venturu" 3-4 years ago and it was mediocre for me. Now I read it more carefully and it immediately means something more to me.

I'm very glad that our edition does not follow Ted Hughes' division into "more and less successful stories". Such a categorization, instead of providing a deeper insight into Silvija's opus, seems like an unfair evaluation that narrows her expression. Especially a bitter note is that it comes from her husband, a person who should have the deepest understanding and respect for her creativity.

Also, I think it's not a good idea to start with this collection if you're completely new to Silvija. There is a high chance that this will be a disappointment for you. Knowledge of her life circumstances and thematic concerns gives an important dimension to the entire collection and can help you better absorb the nuances and depth of each text. Maybe they are not a brilliant spectacle at first glance, but these stories have personally awakened in me an increased inclination and tenderness towards Silvija.

The same motifs recur: the need for writing, the fear of losing the ability to imagine (dreams), childhood, family relationships, expectations of women, problems of fitting into society, war. The thematic undercurrents of "The Bell Jar", obvious previews of what is to come, even an explicit reference to (female) Lazarus in "The Stones of Jezebel"...

The choice of names is interesting, and they also repeat. We have Ester in "The Bell Jar" and Ester here, in "Mothers". The name Milisent repeats, the surname Ventura (the only example I know where it comes from, and that is the name of Silvija's school friend), and the name Lukas is associated with her pseudonym Viktorija Lukas.

Alis and Alison are particularly interesting to me, especially when we consider that "Alice in Wonderland" is directly mentioned in "The Stone Boy with the Dolphin", in Silvija's diaries, and there is also the poem \\n   A Sorcerer Bids Farewell To Seem \\n which alludes to Alis in its entirety. It is no surprise that Alis' symbolism is appealing, the innocence of a child is contrasted with the absurdities of the adult world, which also reflects Silvija's own struggle with the world around her. Exploring the complex dynamics of childhood, the development (of female and personal) identity, and facing reality. That's Silvija for you.

Personal favorites:
- "Džoni Panika and the Bible of Dreams"
- "The Box of Wishes"
- "One Day in June"
- "Among the Bumblebees"
- "The Widow Mangada"

A five-millimeter book, which contains a short story by Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes. (Why do all of Sylvia's books have this obsession with her? Sylvia committed suicide to get away from them easily. If she knew that after her death, everywhere beside her name was placed, and even the preface of her notebook was written by her and her name was on the cover, what would she think? Just leave her alone. Her life was taken from her, and now her death is also being controlled by them, and still after her death, her couple uses the name Sylvia as their identity.

There was a story about a woman who died out of envy for the beautiful dreams of a cocoon. I can't forget it.

The cocoon seemed to hold the promise of a wonderful transformation, with its soft and delicate form. The woman, however, was consumed by jealousy. She couldn't bear to see the cocoon's potential for beauty and growth.

As time passed, her envy festered and ate away at her. Instead of finding joy in her own life, she focused solely on the cocoon's dreams. This constant jealousy took a toll on her, both physically and emotionally.

In the end, her envy led to her downfall. She passed away, leaving behind a legacy of bitterness and unfulfilled desires. This story serves as a reminder that envy can be a destructive force, capable of ruining lives. We should learn to appreciate the beauty and potential in others without allowing jealousy to consume us.

The tortured phenomenon that is Sylvia Plath. This battle with words. This clinical melancholy that struggles to smile. This flirtation with death. This passion of extremes.

Even from her very steps, her innate creativity shines through.

Let's not say too much. Plath is a category all on her own. You will either adore her or hate her. But you will never be bored by her. Moderation does not suit the Great.

Her works are a reflection of her inner turmoil, a window into a soul that was constantly in search of meaning and purpose. The vivid imagery and powerful emotions she conveys in her poetry and prose make her a truly remarkable writer. Whether it's the dark and brooding "Lady Lazarus" or the more tender and introspective "Morning Song," Plath's words have the ability to touch the hearts and minds of readers.

Despite her short life, Sylvia Plath has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. Her unique voice and unwavering courage continue to inspire generations of writers and artists. She is a true icon, a testament to the power of the human spirit and the beauty that can emerge from even the most痛苦的 experiences.

UM LIVRO QUE COMEÇA INCRIVEL

For a while, I pondered whether this book deserved a 3 or 4 stars rating. The book starts off extremely well. The collection of short stories constantly makes you reflect not only on your own life but also on the author of this magnificent book.

However, I found parts 2 and 3 to be rather monotonous, with the exception of a few chapters. I almost thought about giving up. Nevertheless, I ended up giving it 4 stars because it provided me with truly profound reflections and very well-written stories. Additionally, I got to know the author even better. It's an incredible and enjoyable book to read (Sylvia Plath writes in a very comforting way). And this is the 15th book, I achieved my goal.

2.5 ⭐️ Lite för drömsk (no pun intended) för att den skulle passa mig, åtminstone i mitt nuvarande sinnestillstånd.

It feels a bit too dreamy for my taste, at least in my current state of mind.

I should probably read about it at another time to give it the attention it deserves.

However, I do become curious to read more of Plath.

Maybe in the future, when my mood is more in tune with the dreamy nature of the work, I will be able to fully appreciate it.

For now, I will keep it on my list of books to revisit.

I am eager to explore more of Plath's writing and see what other gems she has to offer.

Her unique style and the way she weaves words together have piqued my interest, and I can't wait to see what else she has in store for me.

The perfect combination between short stories and journal entries

truly showcases her remarkable talent. Her stories are not just fictional accounts but rather feel incredibly real, as if they are plucked directly from life. The way she describes the scenes and characters is so lyrical, almost poetic, that it often transports the reader into a world that seems like fairytales.

What I especially love about her writing is when she focuses on children. She doesn't simply portray the tenderness and innocence of that age but delves deeper, presenting them with complex and hard issues to deal with. It is fascinating to see how she depicts their reactions and the ways in which they navigate through these challenges.

Her work is absolutely stunning, leaving a lasting impression on the reader and making them eager to explore more of her literary creations.

The short story of "Janie Panic and the Gospel of Dreams" is undoubtedly a masterpiece.

I understood nothing from the story of "Snow" and even the writing style of the author (Ted Hughes) was not remarkable to me.

However, "The Gospel of Dreams" was amazing despite all its ambiguities.

That's right. It had its own unique density, but the spatial layout was something beyond the ordinary.

I may forget the story and plot of the book, but not the feeling it gave me. The author's writing, with all its inner complexities, was captivating. It was profound.

Everyone who reads "Janie Panic and the Gospel of Dreams" will have a different experience... Some may not remember anything because there was nothing remarkable for them. For some, it was full of fear, ambiguity, and suspicion.

And for me, it was a kind of pent-up anger like I had swallowed a lump of gravel.

The Swedish translation of the title story from an English-language collection of short stories that I read earlier this month truly stands out.

It serves as yet another remarkable example of Sylvia Plath's outstanding short-story-telling prowess. Her ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking narratives is on full display in this story.

Moreover, it also showcases the translator's trade. The translator has managed to capture the essence and nuances of Plath's original work and convey them effectively in Swedish.

This translation not only allows Swedish readers to experience the brilliance of Plath's writing but also highlights the importance of skilled translation in making literature accessible across different languages and cultures.

Overall, it is a fascinating and valuable piece of work that combines the talents of both the author and the translator.

I simply don't have the heart to criticize anymore that the translation has been hasty, and that's the way it is.

It was a very nice idea, its pair, although the main book is just a collection of short stories, but why is the book so short?

Preferably, we should read in the original language (I mean in English or whatever we know), it's difficult but good. Short stories in the original language are usually like this, that you can do some calculations and learn something.

And in this way, no one will say that drilling a sick tree is like drawing water from a well (I'm speaking very generally).

Well, let's leave it at that.

Sylvia Plath's work in this collection is a captivating exploration of her inner world. The inclusion of short stories, essays, and notebook entries provides a diverse range of perspectives. The introduction by Ted Hughes adds an interesting layer, though his comments are not without controversy. While some of his remarks about Plath's work being against her better judgment are worth noting, others, like his view of her limitations, seem to misunderstand the essence of her creative process.

The overall feelings of like for this book are strong. Plath's descriptive abilities are truly remarkable. Her choice of adjectives allows the reader to vividly visualize the scenes she描绘s. The raw emotion and exploration of deeper feelings are also engaging, as they touch on those universal thoughts and emotions that we often keep hidden.

Among the favorite stories, "Rose and Percy B" stands out with its haunting imagery of the book under the chin of a dead body. "Day of Success" feels personal and the ending is heart-wrenching. "Sweetie Pie and The Gutter Men" is a dark and thought-provoking read about children and motherhood. "Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams" offers a tantalizing glimpse into a world of fantasy. "Superman and Paula Brown’s New Snowsuit" brings back memories of schoolyard dynamics, and "Among the Bumblebees" is a beautiful tribute to a father.
The dark quotes add an extra dimension to the collection, highlighting Plath's ability to capture the harsh realities of life. Overall, this book earns four stars, despite having moments of tedium. It is a must-read for fans of Plath's work and those interested in exploring the depths of the human psyche.

\\n  “It seems almost an incredible relief to know that there is someone outside oneself who is not happy all the time. We must be at low ebb when we are this far into the black: that everyone else, merely because they are ‘other,’ is invulnerable. That is a damn lie.”\\n

There are far more apt words to depict this collection than those I'll employ in this concise review.

Reading this was an intensely emotional encounter for me, as I can relate to Plath on several fronts. Simultaneously, it was a brutally honest and beautiful read. \\n  These are short stories and journal entries of a woman who passionately endeavored to discover her purpose in life.\\n Themes such as the search for one's identity, the conflict between individualism and conformity, the examination of individuals' false perceptions about society, and the process of growing up are some of the predominant ones that Plath wrote about in this collection.

Plath strived to „break free from herself“, to move beyond the subjective and the poetic realm and into the objective, more commercially viable domain of fiction writing. She yearned for her stories to be published and recognized by others. Ironically, the stories where she attempts this approach pale in comparison, overshadowed by those with a subjective influence – like Johnny Panic and the bible of Dreams, The Wishing Box, Initiation, Ocean 1212 W. Plath's true greatness lies in the very subject matter she wished to avoid, and it always fills me with a sense of sadness to think that she wasn't able to triumph in her internal struggle. What she did manage, however, was to win over countless women, inspiring them and uniting them through the subjective experience of life. Had it not been committed to paper, this experience might not have been known today as part of a universal human experience. Sixty years after Sylvia's passing, the lines penned in her short piece, aptly titled „Context,“ seem almost prophetic:

„Certain poems and lines of poetry seem as solid and miraculous to me as church altars or the coronation of queens must seem to people who revere quite different images. I am not worried that poems reach relatively few people. As it is, they go surprisingly far—among strangers, around the world, even. Farther than the words of a classroom teacher or the prescriptions of a doctor; if they are very lucky, farther than a lifetime.“