This novel written by Sylvia Plath is obviously a story inspired by her own life without being a direct autobiography the parallels are clear if you know of Plath’s life. There is a saying for a writer to write what they know, knowing what I do about Plath this is a true example. The story of a woman slowly losing grip with her sanity. It’s well known that Plath, herself, struggled with mental issues, spending at least one time in an institution, and was suicidal which she ultimately committed.

She struggles like her character, Esther Greenwood does in the tale. She’s beautiful and successful and she’s struggling at the same time in history that Plath herself did. I am not sure if this was all done purposefully or by accident, at least in the beginning. As a writer myself, I have noticed that sometimes my work can have hints of reflections of my life. Even one of the most popular interview questions they have asked me is if my characters are inspired by or based on myself or others I know. I usually respond, “to a point” and “writing what you know happens”.

It’s a very saddening tale when you realize it’s a reflection, at least it was for me. I went into this clean slate and believing that it was just a story until my knowledge about the poetess’ life took its toll. I believe it was done on purpose. She is known for doing this through her poetry, why wouldn’t she in her novel?

The entire story could’ve been very much a cry for help. I will never truly know, and this is all my opinion and just a theory, but my heart does go out those struggling. Even I struggle, not with the same issues, but my own. Because of this, the book spoke to me.

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

I am drawn to religious books. I know this must surprise many, but those close to me aren’t surprised. I’ve been studying religious topics since I was young. I’ve spoken in the past about being allowed by my parents to find my own path spiritually. I’ve also thanked them for this. It allowed me to expand my horizons, become more compassionate and understanding to those different from myself, and educate myself in a way I wouldn’t have been able to. Because of this I come across books like Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings.
This is an interesting book, for someone like me. It shows that though these two men were separated by time and space, they held the same beliefs. It takes quotes from both and sets them side by side so the reader can see for themselves. It is also divided into sections to further organize the subject.
This is not a book trying to convert people to one religion over another. I found it a way to show that both men are similar and taught similarly.

To summarize, the best I can in my own words, the book itself:

• We’re not so different.
• Treating others as you would like to be treated is the same as considering others as yourself.
• There are beneficial beliefs in other religions, in unexpected places, for some I’m sure.

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.

From the reference of Dorian Grey in books, movies, and television show it’s hard to meet someone these days who doesn’t know about the character, but not many have read the actual story. I have, thankfully.

It is a dark tale, in my opinion. With the main character, Dorian, a beautiful, indulgent, and vain young man making a deal to remain young and beautiful forever he sells his soul. His reputation is that he’s known for ruining others. Dorian does have a friend named Henry to whom he’s attracted to for his lifestyle of living indulgently and to the fullest. It is his friend’s comment about youthfulness being fleeting that really sets up how Dorian’s story moves forward.

Henry’s words on the fleeting nature of youthfulness are a foreshadowing and a warning. Dorian, as the infamous story goes, makes his dark dealings. At first, there seems to be hope for the main character as he sees the portrait’s dark and twisted nature as an opportunity to be good, but over time he becomes obsessed with every choice he makes, how it’s changing the reflection of his soul in paint, and finds himself being drawn more and more towards evil.

I don’t want to spoil the actual story too much for those that haven’t read it. I wanted to read this originally out of curiosity. I had heard of title, knew a brief idea of the story, and of the main character, but wanted to know more. I dug in, found a copy, and read it. My final thoughts are that the main character is damned and stuck. He is beautiful, yes, but that’s only skin deep. What is on the inside is what matters, but for Mr. Grey his insides, his soul, are grotesque and what seems to be unchanging as he’s drawn to evil.

He has damned himself in his pursuit of remaining at a certain state of his life. He may be living, forever, but he’s not truly alive in my opinion. He is consumed.

Beyond the story, I came across an article that said this very story is what condemned Oscar Wilde in court for homosexuality. I will now quote Wilde as brilliantly saying, ““There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Book are well written, or badly written. That is all.”

This review is a part of my 2020 yearlong self-challenge to read and review. I have reread some books for the purpose of reviewing them on my website whereas I have read others for the first time. Check out Book Reviews and Recommendations to find other book reviews, book recommendations, and more information about the books I’m reading, have read, or are sharing.

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts? Do you agree with me? Do you disagree? Let’s have a conversation about it.