Ariel Review

REVIEW

“Dying
Is an art, like everything else
I do it exceptionally well.”

Despite the enjoyment that I get from reading poetry–which isn’t often as I do not read them much, this form of literature has always been a struggle to consume. Perhaps it’s the overthinking that comes with reading this type of literature–the desire to give everything, or something, more meaning than what the actual intension is. There is beauty in simplicity, but when reading poetry, I have always been a try-hard.

Sylvia Plath did a spectacular job in expressing herself within the pages of this book. She has shown great capacity in her writing. What I got from reading this collection is her show of vulnerability, the way she laid herself out to everyone.

It was fascinating to experience reading one of the most popular writers out there. The experience enlightened me to the truth that a literary work will connect with one but not for everyone. I am keen in rereading this collection. To dive back and digest pages that I didn’t quite understand. A huge part of why I felt disconnected is the theme of motherhood that I am getting from the poems. Correct me if I’m wrong, but that is a theme that I felt reading through this book. And, although I feel for it in the view of a son, it was still quite a challenge to relate to.

In its entirety, however, I would much like to read this again and feel the nuances and find a stronger sense of connection towards the poems. Perhaps a second round of reading will help change the way I see the book.