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.
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.