Really told Sylvia's sad story with dignity.

Sometimes it was a bit slow, but only because the author gives the reader so much detail into all that she accomplished in such a short time.

Sylvia's life was filled with challenges and hardships, yet she faced them all with grace and courage.

The author carefully weaves together the events of her life, painting a vivid picture of her struggles and triumphs.

Each detail is significant, adding depth and meaning to her story.

Although the pace may seem slow at times, it allows the reader to fully understand and appreciate all that Sylvia endured.

It is a story that will touch your heart and make you realize the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Despite the sadness, there is also a sense of hope and inspiration in Sylvia's journey.

Her story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find the courage to keep going and make a difference.

I have been captivated by Sylvia Plath ever since high school, and her works have always been a source of admiration for me. I read "The Bell Jar" during a highly influential period of my life, and it has remained with me ever since. This fascination with Sylvia Plath led me to read a biography of her life. I had always heard that her works were almost biographical, and I was eager to discover the truth behind this assessment. "Rough Magic" provided me with all the information I sought about Plath and much more.

However, it is this "much more" that I believe poses a problem for this book. A biography should encompass all the relevant details, but it seems that "Rough Magic" also includes a significant amount of irrelevant information. For instance, when the author described Plath's time as a guest editor, all nineteen other guest editors and their colleges were listed, taking up half a page! This is just one of many examples where extraneous details were included, detracting from the book's core purpose. Additionally, throughout the book, I couldn't help but wonder how Sylvia would have felt about the complete exposure of her life. While it is acceptable to cover common knowledge such as her father's death, her suicide attempt, her publishing history, her marriage, and ultimately, her successful suicide, "Rough Magic" goes beyond this and includes every date Sylvia went on, every rejection from magazines, and so on. I'm not sure how I would feel if someone wrote a story about me and included every single date I had ever been on. Although these experiences have contributed to who I am, they are ultimately irrelevant in the grand scheme of my life.

Another issue I have with the book is the complete omission of Sylvia Plath's works. This is explained in the introduction as being due to Ted Hughes, Sylvia's husband, owning the rights to her work. However, it still feels like a disservice to read a biography of her life without any inclusion of her life's work. "Rough Magic" does make references to her poems, but without having a "Complete Works of Sylvia Plath" readily available, it is difficult to gain an accurate understanding of her works.

For my full review go to thecouchwanderers.com

During 2006 and 2008, I was consumed by an intense desire to delve back into the life of Sylvia Plath. This American poet took her own life in England in 1963, at the tender age of 32. She left behind a manuscript of the collection of poems titled Ariel, along with two tiny children. That marked the start of her enduring legacy and cult status.

Ironically, her estranged husband, Ted Hughes, who later became the poet laureate of England, became deeply involved with her mother in overseeing the publication and restrictive use of her work. For the remainder of his life, Ted was bound to Sylvia, and his final work, the collected poems of "Birthday Letters", was a transparent attempt to explain his life with her. The public always held him accountable for her death. His mistress, Assia Wevill, also took her own life and that of their baby in 1968 by gas.

Rough Magic is an outstanding and comprehensive account of her life - her brilliance, her education at Wellesly and Oxford, her battles with mental illness and suicide attempts. But above all, it is about the making of a poet who was ultimately worn down by the hardships of marriage, parenthood, jealousy, mental illness, the betrayal of her husband, and a particularly harsh winter in London in 1962. The book adheres to the established myth of Plath. Ariel showcases that she was a great poet.

My generation all read "The Bell Jar" in 1963, the story of her mental breakdown at 19. Ariel, unlike any of her previous poems, is a furious, uniquely imaginative, and energetic (albeit with a self-destructive urge, as some have claimed) expression of her life, children, and suicide attempts. My favorite poems are Ariel, which literally describes an early morning horse-ride towards the rising sun, and Edge, which is thought to be her last poem. Its images are all feminine, a body closing in on itself, enfolding embryos within, perfected and resigned in death.

I also came across a DVD movie titled "PLATH" starring Gywneth Paltrow and Daniel Craig. Although mental illness and tragedy are the inevitable conclusions, the story of the making of a poet, the landscapes of their early love, the assumed genius of lovers, the intellectual rigor and joy of her life, and the myth and icon of the poet, leaving behind her masterpiece - it's all magical. My favorite scene is when Plath is floating up the river with Ted, reciting Chaucer’s “Wife of Bath” to cows in Middle English.

This book presented an absolutely astonishing portrayal of Sylvia Plath's life. It offered accurate and detailed information, yet did not utilize any direct quotations from either Plath or Hughes. This truly had a profound impact on me.

I am currently in the midst of writing a 20-page psycho-biography on Plath. The book served as a valuable source of inspiration and knowledge. It provided me with a deeper understanding of Plath's complex personality and the events that shaped her life.

The author's ability to present the information in an engaging and accessible manner was truly remarkable. It made me eager to explore more about Plath and her works.

As I continue to work on my psycho-biography, I will draw upon the insights gained from this book to create a more comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of Sylvia Plath.

I found this an enjoyable read, considering the subject matter.

It really intrigued me to discover just how much of a driven perfectionist Plath was. Her intense dedication and pursuit of excellence in her work and life are truly remarkable.

I must admit that if your initial opinion of Ted Hughes is neutral or ambivalent, it becomes extremely difficult to feel any sympathy for him after delving into this account.

The details presented paint a vivid picture that may cause one to view him in a different light.

Perhaps this is because of the way his actions and decisions are juxtaposed against Plath's struggles and her unwavering commitment to her art.

It makes one wonder about the complex dynamics of their relationship and how it ultimately influenced both of their lives.

Overall, this reading has provided me with a new perspective and has left me with much to think about regarding these two literary figures.

A well-researched account of Plath's works offers a fascinating exploration into her literary genius. It delves deep into the various themes and styles she employed, shedding light on her unique creative vision.

Alongside this, it also provides some glimpses into her emotional and psychological issues. The article touches upon her multiple attempts at suicide, which were no doubt a result of the inner turmoil she was experiencing.

Her stay at McLean Hospital is also mentioned, offering further insight into her struggles and the efforts made to help her. Overall, this account presents a comprehensive and engaging look at Plath's life and works, highlighting both her achievements and her personal demons.

Of all the biographies I've read about Sylvia's life, this one truly stands out.

The detail that Alexander employs is simply unbelievable. It's almost to the extent that the book seems fictionalized. However, that's precisely what makes it so captivating.

As I delved into the pages, I felt as if I was right there, observing Sylvia as she maneuvered through a convoluted world, a world filled with both ups and downs. The author's ability to bring Sylvia's story to life in such a vivid and engaging manner is truly remarkable.

Thank you so very much for providing this amazing read. It has not only given me a deeper understanding of Sylvia's life but has also left a lasting impression on me. I will surely recommend this biography to others who are interested in learning more about this fascinating individual.

This is truly one of the finest biographies of Sylvia Plath that I have had the pleasure of reading.

It is extremely informative, providing a wealth of details about Plath's life, her works, and the various events and circumstances that shaped her. The author has done an excellent job of presenting the facts in a clear and engaging manner, making it easy for the reader to follow along and gain a deep understanding of Plath's complex personality and her artistic journey.

What sets this biography apart is that it is not overly biased. The author has managed to maintain an objective stance, presenting both the positive and negative aspects of Plath's life and work. This allows the reader to form their own opinions and interpretations, rather than being influenced by the author's personal views.

Overall, I would highly recommend this biography to anyone who is interested in Sylvia Plath or in the field of literature in general. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of this remarkable poet and her contributions to the literary world.