The Applicant
The Applicant is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the complex nature of relationships and the search for meaning. It presents a unique perspective on the idea of finding a suitable partner.

Lady Lazarus
Lady Lazarus is a powerful and intense work. It explores themes of resurrection, survival, and the human spirit's ability to rise above adversity. The imagery and language used in this poem are both vivid and disturbing.

Daddy
Daddy is a controversial and deeply personal poem. It examines the relationship between a daughter and her father, touching on issues such as power, control, and abuse. The poem's raw and emotional tone makes it a memorable piece.

The Mirror
The Mirror is a short yet profound poem. It uses the metaphor of a mirror to reflect on the nature of self-perception and the passage of time. The simplicity of the language belies the depth of the ideas presented.

Metaphors
Metaphors are an essential part of poetry. They allow poets to convey complex ideas and emotions in a more vivid and engaging way. In the poems mentioned above, metaphors are used to great effect to create powerful images and evoke strong emotions.

Nick and the Candlestick
Nick and the Candlestick is a beautiful and tender poem. It tells the story of a father and son's relationship and the simple pleasures of life. The poem's gentle tone and warm imagery make it a joy to read.

The Rival
The Rival is a poem that explores the theme of competition and jealousy. It presents a unique perspective on the idea of having a rival and the impact it can have on one's life. The poem's clever use of language and imagery makes it a thought-provoking piece.

I absolutely loved the book. Sylvia Plath is truly a literary genius. Her works have the power to touch the deepest corners of our souls and make us think about life in a whole new way.

However, I have to say that the Portuguese translation of this book was horrible. It completely failed to capture the essence and beauty of the original text. The translator seemed to have no understanding of Plath's writing style and the nuances of her language.

As a result, the reading experience was greatly diminished. I would rate the translation a 1 out of 5. It's a shame that such a great book was let down by a poor translation. I hope that in the future, more care and attention will be given to the translation process to ensure that the works of great authors like Sylvia Plath can be enjoyed by readers around the world in their full glory.

Probably the best collection of poems I've read of any author but definitely the best from Plath (so far as I've read).

It is truly remarkable. The poems are so moving, disturbing, beautiful, incredible, and ingenious. One wonders if there are even more words to describe their excellence.

I especially loved the one at the end, Three Women, which was performed on BBC on 19.8.1962. The moment I started to read it, I could vividly hear it in my head and envision it being performed on a stage. It is emotional on so many levels, touching the deepest parts of the soul.

The quality of the poems in this collection was unbelievably high. There were only a few where either the language eluded me or that didn't manage to rearrange my insides in a new and profound way. Overall, it is a collection that will stay with me for a long time and is a testament to Plath's extraordinary talent as a poet.

Such searing words were penned by a poet who had a brief yet highly productive life.

Poetry has always appeared too lofty and inaccessible to me. I've never been a voracious poem reader; the ones I encountered always seemed overly burdened with implicit meanings and symbolism that eluded my comprehension. Poems simply went over my head. However, Sylvia Plath's poetry spoke to me in ways that are difficult to put into words. Indeed, her works tend to be dark, especially in the years leading up to her death, but there is an undeniable beauty in her words. You can sense the intense raw emotion beneath them and catch a glimpse of what touched her soul. \\"Tulips\\", \\"Lady Lazarus\\", \\"I Am Vertical\\", \\"A Birthday Present\\", \\"The Moon and the Yew Tree\\" were among my favorites. These particular poems lingered in my mind long after I finished reading them, evoking a wide range of emotions within me and making my heart ache for Sylvia.

I read her unabridged journals prior to delving into her poems and noted in my review that I felt her sensibility became blunted after she married Ted and her journals resembled a list of mundane domestic life in the suburbs. There seemed to be no creative spark whatsoever. But the poems she composed during those years are a clear refutation of that perception. Although her life was short, her words still have a profound impact today, and I am truly grateful that we have them to remember her by.

“Bit my pretty red heart in two.

I was just ten years old when they laid you to rest.

The pain was so intense, as if my heart had been torn apart.

Fast forward to when I was twenty, and I found myself in a dark place.

I even contemplated ending my life, hoping to find my way back to you.

Back, back, back to that place where you are.

I thought that perhaps even your bones would be enough to bring me some solace.

The memory of you still haunts me, and I long for the day when we can be reunited.

Until then, I will carry this pain in my heart and keep your memory alive.

I'll be completely honest and openly admit that I didn't come across any poems within the book that truly resonated with me on a deep level.

However, if you do decide to pick up this book, I would highly suggest taking the time to read about the poems first. These descriptions are usually located at the back of the book.

I firmly believe that understanding the context in which the poems were written would enhance the overall reading experience and make them more enjoyable. It would provide valuable insights into the poet's intentions, the historical or cultural background, and perhaps even the emotions that inspired the creation of each poem.

By doing so, you may be able to establish a stronger connection with the words on the page and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and beauty of the poetry.

Väga palju head, kuid ka omajagu arusaamatut materjali. There was a great deal of good, but also quite a bit of material that was rather incomprehensible to me.

Mulle vist meeldisid siit pigem need lühemad luuletused. I probably liked the shorter poems from here better.

Need olid luuletused kus ta väga palju sümboleid ja narratiive juurde ei toonud, ning seega osutusid konkreetsemaks ja arusaadavamaks minusugusele luulevōhikule. These were the poems where he didn't bring in a lot of symbols and narratives, and thus they turned out to be more concrete and understandable for such a poetic style.

Pikemad luuletused kahjuks valgusid laiali minu jaoks. Unfortunately, the longer poems seemed a bit scattered to me.

Oli tunda, kui palju emotsionaalset energiat oli nendest värsidesse salvestunud. It was felt how much emotional energy had been stored in those lines.

Paljud luuletused algasid nii tabavalt: Many poems started so strikingly:

Ma ei suuda sind kunagi tervikuks kokku panna.

See on linn, kus parandatakse inimesi.

Kui kuu naerataks, meenutaks ta sind.


Ta oskab väga hästi oma sisemisi maastikke sōnadega visandada. And he is very good at expressing his inner landscapes with words.

Ja ta tegi seda ka väga sürrealistlikult. And he does it in a very surrealistic way.

Nii sürrealistikult, et tihti jäidki need mul dešifreerimata. So surrealistically that often these remained uninterpreted by me.

Sealt tulebki see segadus. Hence also this confusion.

Minu lemmikud luuletused olid: Papa, Rivaal, Müstik, Kivid, Mesilassülem, Lorelei ja Koloss. My favorite poems were: Papa, Rival, Raspberry, Stones, Beehive, Lorelei and Colossus.

There is some truly excellent poetry within these pages.

The progression of the works is also really fascinating.

It's quite remarkable how the themes and emotions evolve throughout.

However, 1962 stands out as being particularly soul-crushingly depressing.

The poems from that year seem to capture a sense of profound sadness and hopelessness.

Perhaps it was a reflection of the times, with all the social and political upheavals that were taking place.

Nevertheless, even in the midst of this darkness, there are glimmers of beauty and hope.

The poets' words have the power to move us and make us think about the human condition.

Overall, this collection of poetry is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of language and the beauty of the written word.

Exil - Ştefan Râmniceanu

Exil is a profound and thought-provoking work by Ştefan Râmniceanu. It delves into the complex themes of displacement, longing, and the search for identity. The author skillfully weaves a narrative that takes the reader on a journey through the experiences of those who have been forced to leave their homeland.

The concept of exile is explored from multiple perspectives, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll it takes on individuals. Râmniceanu's vivid descriptions bring to life the landscapes and cultures that are left behind, as well as the challenges and uncertainties that await in the new environment.

Through his words, we gain a deeper understanding of the human condition and the universal longing for a sense of belonging. Exil serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit has the capacity to endure and find meaning. It is a powerful and moving piece of literature that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page.

I am only thirty.

And just like a cat has nine lives,

I am supposed to die nine times.

"Love unto death makes one sick."

There were some lines in the book that especially resonated, but a lot was probably left ununderstood. In my opinion, I don't know how to read or interpret poetry, but I will try to learn. Maybe it's also necessary to read it in the original language. Some of the essence always gets lost in translations, even if they are not bad... Mikko's introduction was useful for someone getting to know it for the first time. Thank you to him for the translation.

Expanded: I am only thirty years old.

And just as a cat is said to have nine lives,

I feel as if I am fated to experience death nine times.

"Love unto death makes one sick." This line really struck a chord within me.

There were certain lines in the book that had a special resonance, yet a great deal was likely left uncomprehended. In my view, I don't possess the skills to read or interpret poetry proficiently, but I am determined to learn. Perhaps it is essential to read it in the original language. Some of the true essence always vanishes in the process of translation, even if the translations themselves are not of poor quality.

Mikko's introduction was extremely useful for someone like me who is getting to know this work for the very first time. I extend my gratitude to him for his translation efforts.

This is a really great little book that you can easily carry around with you to cure those moments of boredom. It's like a portable source of entertainment.

However, I would highly recommend that you consider getting Plath's "The Complete Poems" instead. The reason for this is that this small book only contains a relatively small selection of her wonderful poetry.

By getting the complete collection, you will have access to the full range of her poetic genius. You'll be able to explore the depth and breadth of her work, and truly appreciate the beauty and power of her words.

Sure, the small book may be convenient, but it can't compare to the comprehensive experience that "The Complete Poems" offers. So, if you're a true fan of Plath's poetry or simply looking to immerse yourself in her world, I would definitely suggest going for the complete collection.

Although it took me a considerable amount of time to complete this book, I was truly amazed by how relatable it was and how it was filled with a sense of nostalgia.

Sylvia Plath was among the very first poets that I came across even before I was properly introduced to the world of poetry. Her works had a profound impact on me.

I am extremely glad that this collection encompassed those very poems that initially made me fall head over heels in love with poetry.

Even though I didn't have an undying love for every single poem in the book, I still derived a great deal of enjoyment from reading it.

The unique style and the raw emotions expressed in her poems made the reading experience truly worthwhile.

It was as if I was able to step into her world and understand her perspective through her words.

This book will always hold a special place in my heart as it was the beginning of my journey into the beautiful realm of poetry.