Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 68 votes)
5 stars
19(28%)
4 stars
26(38%)
3 stars
23(34%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
68 reviews
July 15,2025
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As a biography, this book appears to be somewhat lacking.

I had the impression that a significant amount of information was omitted, and I often found myself confused by the author's narrative direction.

Personally, I believe that I gained a better understanding of Sylvia Plath through reading her journals and poems.

This book was just average. It didn't fully capture the essence of Plath's life and work.

Perhaps the author could have delved deeper into certain aspects or presented a more comprehensive view.

Overall, it was an okay read, but not one that I would highly recommend.

There are other resources available that offer a more in-depth and engaging exploration of Sylvia Plath's remarkable life and contributions.

July 15,2025
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I read this book in one night, along with The Bell Jar. I had to write an essay on both books the next morning. Reading them together gave me a much more comprehensive view of Sylvia Plath's life and her fiction. It may sound rather cheesy, but I truly read these books at the precise right moment in my life. I vividly remember being left a mess at 6 AM, feeling drained and empty after reading the account of Sylvia Plath's suicide. I don't usually read many biographies as I often find them rather dull. That's one of the reasons why I decided to pair this with The Bell Jar. And I highly recommend doing so as it definitely enriches the picture that Paul Alexander presents.


However, one complaint I have about this book is that it seems quite biased against Ted Hughes. I'm not entirely sure what to make of this. On one hand, it could be that the author has a particular perspective or agenda. On the other hand, it might be that the evidence presented leans in that direction. It's a bit of a conundrum for me as I try to form my own opinion about Sylvia Plath's life and the people in it.

July 15,2025
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I truly loved delving deeper and learning more about her through this book. However, it should be noted that the book is rather heavy on listing every single submission and publication of her work. While this might hold great interest for some people who are particularly interested in the detailed chronology of her literary output, I, on the other hand, was more captivated by her life story. As a result, I chose to skip over the extensive lists of poems and other works.

I found myself more drawn to the personal aspects of her life, the experiences that shaped her as a writer, and the emotions and thoughts that influenced her creative process. It is these elements that truly brought her to life for me and made the reading experience more engaging and meaningful.

Although the lists of submissions and publications may have their own value, for me, they paled in comparison to the rich tapestry of her life that I was able to uncover through the other parts of the book.
July 15,2025
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I have decided to give up for the time being.

I do have the intention to complete it at some point in the future. However, currently, I simply lack the necessary time to patiently wade through the extensive and minute details.

There are just so many other commitments and tasks that demand my attention, leaving me with very little free time to focus on this particular endeavor.

But I haven't completely abandoned the idea. I still hope that one day, when my schedule becomes more flexible and I have more breathing room, I will be able to come back to it and finally bring it to a successful conclusion.

Until then, I will have to content myself with the knowledge that it is on hold and that I will pick it up again when the time is right.
July 15,2025
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My brother, Paul, is the author of this remarkable book. As a result, I have read it countless times.

Undoubtedly, I am an ardent fan of all that Plath has written. I have perused her poems and "The Bell Jar" numerous times.

This book offers a captivating insight into the life of a brilliant young woman. I think she is so popular because many people can empathize with her difficult situation.

Her untimely death was a shattering loss to the literary world. The fact that she sometimes questioned her writing abilities makes her even more fascinating.

I am extremely proud of my brother and this book. I firmly believe that it is the finest Plath biography written to date.

It not only chronicles her life but also delves deep into her psyche, providing a comprehensive understanding of this iconic figure.

The book is a must-read for all Plath enthusiasts and those interested in the life and works of a truly remarkable writer.

July 15,2025
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A girl meets a tragic ending. She was a kind and gentle soul, always looking out for others. But fate had other plans for her.

One day, while walking home from school, she was attacked by a group of thugs. She fought bravely, but there were too many of them. They beat her up and left her for dead on the side of the road.

The girl's family and friends were devastated by the news. They couldn't believe that something so terrible could happen to someone so good.

The police launched an investigation, but they were unable to find the perpetrators. The girl's case remained unsolved, and her memory lived on in the hearts of those who loved her.

To this day, people still remember the girl and her tragic ending. She serves as a reminder that life can be cruel and unpredictable, and that we should always cherish the ones we love.
July 15,2025
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Excellent addition to the bios of SP, another perspective



This statement implies that there is something new and valuable being added to the biographies or profiles of SP. It suggests that this addition offers a different way of looking at SP, perhaps uncovering aspects that were previously overlooked or presenting a fresh interpretation.


Adding another perspective to the bios of SP can enrich our understanding of this individual or entity. It allows for a more comprehensive and multi-faceted view, taking into account various factors and viewpoints.


This new addition might bring to light SP's achievements, experiences, or qualities that were not as prominent before. It could also provide insights into SP's background, motivations, or the context in which they operate.


Overall, an excellent addition to the bios of SP from another perspective has the potential to enhance our knowledge and appreciation of SP, and contribute to a more complete and accurate portrayal.
July 15,2025
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An excellent biography is a remarkable piece of work that undergoes exhaustive research.

It is a meticulous exploration into the life of an individual, leaving no stone unturned.

The author of such a biography takes great care to avoid scandal, supposition, and slander throughout the process.

Scandal can often distort the true picture of a person's life, and by avoiding it, the biography presents a more accurate and objective account.

Supposition, on the other hand, is based on assumptions rather than facts, and including it would undermine the credibility of the work.

Similarly, slander is untrue and malicious, and has no place in a well-written biography.

By adhering to these principles, an excellent biography becomes a valuable resource for understanding the life and times of the subject.

It provides insights into their achievements, struggles, and personal qualities, allowing readers to form a more informed and nuanced view.

In conclusion, an excellent biography is a testament to the author's dedication and commitment to presenting a truthful and engaging account of a person's life.
July 15,2025
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Sylvia Plath's life was a complex and often tumultuous journey.

She was a highly talented poet, but her personal experiences were filled with pain and struggle.

There is no need for sugar coating when examining her life, as it was marked by depression, failed relationships, and a constant search for meaning.

Her works, such as "The Bell Jar," offer a raw and honest look at her inner turmoil.

Plath's life serves as a reminder that even those with great talent can face significant challenges.

By understanding her story, we can gain a deeper appreciation for her art and the sacrifices she made.

It also highlights the importance of mental health awareness and support.

Overall, Sylvia Plath's life is a fascinating and tragic tale that continues to resonate with readers today.

July 15,2025
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Presents the brief and troubled life of one of the great poets of our time. This book offers a fascinating insight into the life of the poet. It also gives the reader an idea of how social mores and societal pressures of the 1950s in America acted as such an oppressive force on women. These pressures hindered them from manifesting their innate gifts and wisdom.


Unfortunately, the author was prevented from quoting from Sylvia Plath's work due to restrictions placed upon its use by Ted Hughes. However, happily, these can be obtained elsewhere. The book does seem to portray Ted Hughes as the primary villain. It downplays the incredibly debilitating effect that her mental illness had on her life. There may be other biographies with a more balanced approach in that regard.


But, that said, this book is a well-written, intensely engrossing story of a brilliant writer. It takes the reader on a journey through the poet's life, highlighting the challenges she faced and the remarkable talent she possessed. Despite its flaws, it is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of Sylvia Plath.

July 15,2025
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While some of the facts presented in this book do not seem to align precisely with those published in other sources, I have come to the realization that the concept of "fact" is a relative one.

No two biographies will ever completely mirror each other when it comes to the same subject, and this is especially true in the case of biographies of Plath and those associated with her. There are numerous reasons for this, including different perspectives, access to information, and personal biases.

Having stated all of that, I must say that this book is by far the best one I have read on Plath to date. It is remarkably well-balanced. There is very little outright animosity towards Ted Hughes, and when it comes to Plath's shortcomings, there is not much attempt at cover-up.

I greatly appreciate Alexander's effort to maintain a certain distance from his subject. This distance allows for a more objective and comprehensive exploration of Plath's life and work. I not only enjoyed reading this book but also found it to be extremely useful in my understanding of Plath and her complex world.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Sylvia Plath or in the study of modern literature and women's studies.
July 15,2025
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"Not so hot" is a commonly used phrase in English. It can have different meanings depending on the context.

For example, when someone asks how you are feeling and you reply "not so hot", it usually means that you are not feeling very well or that you are having a bit of a bad day.

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Overall, "not so hot" is a versatile phrase that can be used in many different situations to convey a sense of mediocrity or dissatisfaction.
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