The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical novel about a young woman struggling to find her place in the world while coping with debilitating depression. It is set in the 1950s, with its restrictive traditional social mores regarding gender roles. Like many young women in their early twenties, Esther Greenwood struggles to define her life and find the right path. It is still a man's world in the 50s and Esther chafes against the chauvinism of her male acquaintances. The difference is that Esther is trying to cope with a deep depression, and to find the kind of clinical help she needs.

It is a strange little novel indeed. The depiction of depression rings true, given that the author knew her subject well. The world of the 1950s feels like a strange planet of its own - nice to visit but I wouldn't want to live there. Something is lost in translation in reading a 50s novel in the 21st century I think. The ending is poignant and a little sad given the author's suicide weeks after its publication. It is one of those books I am glad I read, but I couldn't honestly say that I enjoyed it.