The Bell Jar initially captivated me with its honest portrayal of a woman feeling lost in various aspects of life. Plath's depiction of the protagonist's struggles as a woman in a big city and as a new graduate entering the workforce was refreshing and relatable. However, the second half of the book, particularly after Esther's hospitalization, felt stagnant to me. The plot seemed to stall, and I was left wondering about the direction of the story, especially since I didn't realize it was an autobiography initially. The writing style, typical of classics from that era, posed a challenge initially, but I eventually adapted.

Despite my mixed feelings, it still offers valuable insights into the treatment of mental illness and the concept of feminism in the 1950s and 1960s.