An impressively detailed biography that vividly presented Plath in various aspects of her life - as a student, a talented writer, a mature adult, a loving mother, and most significantly, as a simple woman with complex emotions. It is truly heart-wrenching to delve into the depths of this woman's psyche and understand the numerous struggles she endured throughout her lifetime. I had the opportunity to read this biography before (re)reading "Bell Jar", and I would highly recommend others to do the same.

By reading the biography first, one can gain a deeper understanding of Plath's personal experiences, which in turn enriches the reading of "Bell Jar". The biography provides valuable context and background information that helps to bring the characters and events in the novel to life.

I love you, Ms Plath. Your works have had a profound impact on me, and I will always be in awe of your talent and courage. I do, I do, I do.

One of the finest and most empathetic biographies penned about this remarkable poet. When it comes to Ted Hughes and their relationship, Alexander doesn't shy away from the events. Near the end, Alexander zeroes in on the factors that plunged Plath into the depression and despair she likely experienced while penning Ariel and that ultimately led to her tragic suicide. Alexander leaves no aspect unexplored in delving into her untimely death. Based on their interest in science, he hypothesizes in the book that Hughes might have hypnotized Plath, compelling her to take her own life. The two did engage in hypnotism, as Alexander writes, and according to him, Hughes and his lover at the time insinuated to Plath in the final weeks of her life that she should end her life. They moved into Plath's apartment, and she committed suicide just days later. Sometime after moving in, Hughes destroyed the journal Plath had maintained while writing many of her greatest poems. Even though Plath was only 31 when she passed away, her finest writing ranks among the best of the 20th century.

The first book that truly provided me with a profound insight into and an excellent introduction to Sylvia Plath's life was an eye-opener.

It delved deep into the emotions of angst, loneliness, and despair that she seemed to constantly grapple with in her search for a redemptive love.

While I didn't have any favorite parts in particular, the overall narrative was so powerful that it left a lasting impression on me.

This book had a remarkable impact on me as it made me feel less alone. It was as if I could identify with Plath's struggles and emotions on some level, and that connection made me realize that I wasn't the only one going through difficult times.

It was a comforting and enlightening experience to read about her life and see how she managed to find meaning and purpose in the midst of all the chaos.

Overall, this book was a valuable read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about Sylvia Plath or exploring the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.

I don't precisely remember when I first became completely fascinated with Sylvia Plath. It must have been fairly early in my college career, I think. It was likely somewhere in between the moment I discovered her profound and captivating poetry and the time when I delved into reading The Bell Jar.

This biography presented a truly touching yet brutally honest picture of her life. I've been painstakingly making my way through her journals for the past two years now. However, this biography offered a wonderful outside perspective that really brought to light just how human Sylvia was.

She was not just a literary icon but a complex individual with her own hopes, dreams, fears, and insecurities. I will forever hold her and her work in the highest regard and admiration. I firmly believe that she had an abundance of unspoken thoughts and emotions that she was just beginning to explore and express. Her untimely death was a great loss to the literary world, but her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

This is an awesome book for fans of Plath.

It offers a wealth of insights into the life of this amazing woman.

However, at times, the pacing can get a little slow.

Despite this minor drawback, it is still a must-read for those who are interested in Plath's life and work.

The author has done a great job of researching and presenting the details of Plath's life in an engaging and accessible way.

Whether you are a die-hard Plath fan or just someone who is curious about her, this book is sure to provide you with a deeper understanding of her as a person and an artist.

Overall, it is a great addition to any Plath collection and a book that you will want to read again and again.

Reader Beware: You will be completely drawn into the captivating life and tragic demise that is the story of the remarkable poet, Sylvia Plath. A significant part of this is attributed to author Paul Alexander's remarkable skill in piecing together her history. It is evident that he dedicated countless hours, days, and even years to thorough research, which included numerous conversations with Ms. Plath's mother, Aurelia.

While it is tempting to lay the blame for Ms. Plath's tragic end solely on Ted Hughes, and Alexander does present some intriguing, if not incriminating, points regarding Ted's possible involvement (not necessarily through physical means, but perhaps through mental, hypnotic, and betraying actions), it is clear that she had serious mental health issues long before Ted entered her life. Additionally, her deep-seated belief that she was never good enough to succeed as a writer and poet constantly burdened her, despite her many achievements and publications during her lifetime.

Overall, Alexander does an outstanding job of revealing who Sylvia was and what her life was truly like. She was a fierce individual, a loving mother, a poetic genius, and truly one of a kind. This book was an absolute delight to read!

April 29, 2017, Saturday

It was a beautiful Saturday on April 29, 2017. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, casting a warm glow over everything. The birds were chirping merrily, as if celebrating the weekend. People were out and about, enjoying the pleasant weather. Some were taking walks in the park, breathing in the fresh air and admiring the blooming flowers. Others were having picnics with their families and friends, sharing delicious food and欢声笑语. The streets were filled with activity, with cars and buses passing by. It was a day full of life and energy, a day to remember.

I was browsing through the shelves at HPB when I happened upon the 1999 reprint on sale.

Immediately, my interest was piqued as I have always been fascinated by anything related to Sylvia Plath.

Her works have a certain allure and depth that draw me in every time.

The thought of adding this particular reprint to my collection was exciting.

I could envision myself delving into her poems and stories, exploring the complex emotions and vivid imagery she so masterfully created.

It was as if this book was calling out to me, waiting for me to discover its hidden treasures.

Without hesitation, I picked it up and made my way to the checkout counter, eager to take it home and begin my literary journey with Sylvia Plath.

Soooo intriguing!

Taking a deep look into the life of one of my favorite poets is like embarking on a fascinating journey.

We get to explore the experiences, emotions, and thoughts that shaped their unique perspective on the world.

From their early childhood memories to the challenges they faced along the way, every aspect of their life contributes to the rich tapestry of their poetry.

Discovering the inspirations behind their most famous works and understanding the context in which they were written adds a whole new layer of depth and appreciation.

It's truly amazing how a poet's life can be so intertwined with their art, and delving into this connection allows us to gain a deeper understanding and admiration for their talent.

The first half of this book was rather disappointing.

The author seemed to be overly focused on Plath's social life and activities during her college years. As a result, he failed to truly discuss her growth as a writer or as a person. Her suicide attempt didn't seem to fit well within the context of his narrative about her life. He only talked about the petty arguments she had with other girls or her breakups with numerous boyfriends.

However, once the book delved into describing Plath's adult life, her marriage to Ted Hughes, and her experiences as a female poet, it became much more interesting and relevant. It is somewhat depressing that the author wasn't permitted to quote any of her work in the book. I had to look up some of the poems online while reading about them. I firmly believe that if her poems had been included, it would have made the book far more complete and would have provided a deeper understanding of her as a writer and her body of work.

Overall, while the first half was lacking, the latter part of the book managed to salvage the reading experience and offer some valuable insights into Plath's life and career.

The article is well-written.

However, at times it gives the impression of being a chronological timeline or a cataloging of events.

This aspect, while perhaps not ideal for a more engaging narrative, does have its own merit as it provides a clear and detailed account of what has occurred.

Overall, it is quite revealing, offering valuable insights into the subject matter.

It allows the reader to gain a better understanding of the events and their significance.

Despite its flaws in terms of narrative flow, the information presented is still of great importance and makes the article worth reading.

Perhaps with some minor adjustments and a more creative approach to presenting the content, it could be transformed into an even more captivating piece.

Nevertheless, as it stands, it is a well-written and revealing article that provides a useful contribution to the topic.

This took me over a month to plough through.

The author, in writing this work, did extensive research which included delving into Plath's diary. There was indeed a compelling aspect to the story of this talented poet. However, the sheer amount of details that Alexander included made the reading experience a rather tedious journey.

I think he must have covered every single date she had and the menus for an excessive number of meals. It seems as if he didn't know when to stop adding details. The book, in my opinion, could be significantly pared down to approximately a third of its current size and still manage to inform the reader adequately.

By reducing the unnecessary details, the essence of Plath's story could shine through more clearly, making it a more engaging and enjoyable read for those interested in the life of this remarkable poet.