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
... Show More
**Original Article**: The importance of learning English cannot be ignored. It is a global language that opens up many opportunities.

**Expanded Article**:

The significance of learning English simply cannot be overlooked. It holds a prominent position as a global language, one that has the power to unlock a plethora of opportunities. In today's interconnected world, English serves as a vital means of communication across different countries and cultures. It enables individuals to access a wealth of knowledge, whether it be in the fields of science, technology, or literature. By mastering English, one can engage in international business, collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, and broaden their horizons. Moreover, it enhances job prospects and provides a competitive edge in the global job market.

Learning English is not just about acquiring a language; it is about embracing a new way of thinking and understanding the world. It allows us to connect with people from all over the globe, share ideas, and build relationships. In conclusion, the importance of learning English cannot be emphasized enough, as it paves the way for personal and professional growth in an increasingly globalized society.

July 15,2025
... Show More
The content of this book is truly fascinating. It manages to engage the reader from start to finish with its interesting plot and well-developed characters. I would rate the writing as 4 stars because it is very well-written. The author has a great command of the language and is able to describe the scenes and emotions in a vivid and detailed manner. However, the book does get bogged down in minutiae at times, which can make the reading a bit slow and tiresome.

Ok

Unfortunately, towards the end of the book, the transfer was not well done. Some sentences were incomplete, which made it difficult to follow the story. I also found some sentences that were right in the middle of a paragraph, which was a bit confusing. These issues detracted from the overall reading experience and caused me to deduct another star from my rating. Overall, I would still recommend this book to others, but with the caveat that they should be prepared for some of the issues towards the end.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I think my feelings about Sylvia Plath started to become more normal after reading this book. I used to be an extremely enthusiastic Plath fan. However, with this book, I have lost some of the deification that I once had for her.

She was clearly talented, brilliant, and highly motivated. But she was also selfish, rigid, and petty. Since a large part of her mystique revolves around her suicide and the idea of ruined potential, we often tend to re-narrate events to make Ted Hughes seem like a villain and fill in the gaps in her work with the anticipation of the talent she could have shown.

I love her work more than most people. I love some of the things she did that others overlook. But considering her body of work, with its incompleteness, at best, she can be regarded as an inconsistent poet who never fully realized her potential.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Sylvia Plath is an undeniably captivating subject. Her life and works have intrigued countless readers and scholars alike. However, when it comes to the writer who is discussing her, the writing style seems rather clunky.

The date of reading is merely a guess, which adds an element of uncertainty to the whole experience. The title, which is taken from "The Tempest", specifically from one of Prospero's speeches, gives an interesting context.

Plath herself named one of her collections of work after Ariel, a character in "The Tempest". This connection between her and the play adds another layer of depth to her already complex body of work.

Rough Magic is part of the name of my website, which further ties in with the theme of magic and mystery that surrounds Plath's life and writings.

Overall, while the subject of Sylvia Plath is fascinating, the clunky writing of the author discussing her detracts somewhat from the experience. Nevertheless, the connections to "The Tempest" and the name of my website add an interesting dimension to the exploration of Plath's work.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is perhaps the least renowned of the Plath biographies. This is likely due to the fact that it did not give rise to a series of court cases or international incidents.

Linda Wagner-Martin's SYLVIA PLATH was severely criticized by the Plath estate. Janet Malcom's THE SILENT WOMAN is a meta-biography. And Anne Stevenson's BITTER FAME is just downright strange.

All of these are captivating reads in their own ways. However, for class preparation, Alexander's biography often tends to be the one I rely on. It does not quote from Plath's personal papers, mainly to evade the legal issues that hindered Wagner-Martin.

Moreover, it is well-balanced and does not target Hughes. Some might claim that it is too mild, but at times, a mild tone allows the reader to form their own interpretation of the events.

This makes Alexander's biography a valuable resource for those seeking to understand Plath's life and work.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I didn't know much about Sylvia Plath.

I was only familiar with some of her poems, her marriage to Ted Hughes, and the tragic way she ended her life by putting her head in a gas oven.

However, this book provided a much more detailed account of her life.

It delved into the various aspects of her existence, including her childhood, her relationships, and her struggles as a writer.

As I read through the pages, I gained a deeper understanding of the complex and troubled woman that Sylvia Plath was.

The book was an interesting read, although it was also a very sad one.

It made me realize the depth of her pain and the demons that she was constantly fighting.

Despite the sadness, it was a valuable exploration of her life and work, and it left me with a newfound respect for this talented and tortured poet.

Overall, it was a thought-provoking and engaging book that I would recommend to anyone interested in Sylvia Plath or the history of literature.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Alexander has managed to create an impressively thorough summary of the thirty tumultuous years that comprised Sylvia Plath's life.

It is no easy task to encapsulate the complex and often controversial life of such a renowned poet.

With such controversy surrounding Plath's work, posthumous work, and handling of her estate, Alexander remains fair and impartial.

He does not take sides or show favoritism to any one person in particular.

He neither condemns Hughes nor pardons him, which is a remarkable feat considering the strong emotions and opinions that exist on both sides of the debate.

The foreword provides reasons why this may be, perhaps hinting at Alexander's own objectivity and desire to present a balanced view of Plath's life and work.

Overall, Alexander's summary is a valuable contribution to the study of Sylvia Plath and a must-read for anyone interested in her life and poetry.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is one of the better biographies that I've read on Sylvia.

The author had a unique advantage as she had a relationship and correspondence with Plath's mother. This connection provided her with an in-depth understanding and a sensitivity that other biographers might sometimes lack.

Through this personal interaction, the author was able to gain insights into Sylvia's life that might not have been accessible otherwise.

The biography offers a detailed and engaging account of Sylvia's life, her struggles, and her achievements.

It is a great read that not only provides information about Sylvia but also allows the reader to understand her on a deeper level.

The author's writing style is engaging and makes the book a page-turner.

Overall, this biography is a must-read for anyone interested in Sylvia Plath and her works.
July 15,2025
... Show More
A beautiful and necessary work. I don't have a great deal to say of crucial significance regarding her life or the portrayal of it in this text. However, it's evident that Alexander has the ideal combination of technical proficiency and humility for this task.

I was in high school when I was first introduced to Plath's writing. I can't remember which poem or book it was. Only her name, the importance and sincerity that people attributed to her, and the clear connection to Northampton were very distinct. It was much later that I discovered "Fever 103" and fell in love with her work.

Revisiting an old friend, in the sense that bonds can be formed through writing, and seeing their struggles with new eyes (in this book and at the age of 35) is a solemn thing. And yet, being unable to do anything all over again. Alexander is a fitting guide.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I think it was an extremely disappointing book. The only redeeming factor was the subject matter itself, which had the potential to be fascinating. However, the execution left a lot to be desired.

As many others have already pointed out, the author's decision not to quote from any actual material was a major flaw. This resulted in the reader being left with the most simplistic and vacuous paraphrasing of an entire book-length work. It felt like a missed opportunity to truly explore and understand the subject.

To make matters worse, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with Ted. This was likely due to the fact that it was the third book in a row that I had read on similar subjects. Additionally, the 400 pages of what felt like Entertainment Tonight reporting didn't help. After the lead up to and the actual event of Plath's death were hurriedly brushed over, I was left with the image of Hughes profiting from her talent.

Look, I understand that writing a biography of Plath is no easy task, especially after reading Malcolm's book with a certain degree of skepticism. And perhaps my academic background has made me overly critical. But I just don't understand how you can write a biography of a poet like Plath and not quote any of her work, comments, or letters, and still expect it to be substantial and do justice to her life.

That's all there is to it.
July 15,2025
... Show More

Excellent! This simple word holds a world of meaning. It represents the highest level of achievement, the pinnacle of success. When we hear someone say "excellent," it fills us with a sense of pride and accomplishment. It is a recognition of our hard work, dedication, and talent. Whether it is in academics, sports, or any other field, being excellent is something to strive for. It sets us apart from the rest and makes us stand out. It shows that we have gone above and beyond what is expected and have achieved something truly remarkable. So, let us all aim for excellence in everything we do and never settle for less. Because when we are excellent, we are capable of achieving great things and making a positive impact on the world around us.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I have always had a profound interest in Sylvia Plath. However, this is the very first biography of hers that I have delved into. The author mentions that his work has been described as being sympathetic to Plath, and he regards this as a compliment. Additionally, he did not seek permission from the Plath estate, which means he was unable to directly quote from her works. This leaves a great deal open to his own interpretation. Both of these points are clearly stated in the introduction, so I read this biography with these aspects in mind. I am extremely interested in reading other biographies of Plath to make a comparison.

It will be fascinating to see how different authors approach the life and work of this remarkable poet. Each interpretation may offer unique insights and perspectives that could enhance my understanding of Sylvia Plath. I look forward to exploring the various biographies and uncovering the different layers of her complex and captivating life.

Through this comparison, I hope to gain a more comprehensive and well-rounded view of Sylvia Plath, her art, and her lasting impact on the literary world.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.