The book certainly made an impact upon me and has made me want to read more about Plath. The journals follow her college years through to the birth of her children.

Plath appears extremely critical of her work and others. She constantly strives for perfection in her work and gives the impression that she thought more about the act of writing than actually did. This of course is not so.

The latter part of the journal appears more rambling, incoherent in parts and possibly give us a glimpse of her in her most depressed state of mind during this period.

As with any journal, this is a thought process at work. Ideas, feelings and emotions jumbled up and sometimes forming a stream of consciousness allowing the reader to catch the, often, scathing inner thoughts of Plath.

The journal was edited by Ted Hughes who, by his own admission, tried to include what seemed "the most important elements relating to her work, her inner life, and her valiant struggle to find herself and her voice". As a result, a lot of material had been omitted.

Hughes states in the 'Editor's Note' that;
"There are quite a few nasty bits missing - Plath had a very sharp tongue and tended to use it on nearly everybody...So, some of the more devastating comments are missing'.
This is understandable in some ways, protecting those who may be attacked in a book that was probably never intended for publishing by Plath.

However, all omissions are subjective to the editor and I feel that there are missing pieces to the essential part of Plath's character that made up who she was. But maybe that is as it should be.

Overall an interesting insight and a book I found inspiring (to write) and one that had me hooked from beginning to end. I can't help thinking however, what the missing bits are.... ( )

Who let's you call her a poor lady!?
in a wider look don't let yourself easily call poets,
"oooh...such a poor creature.."
at least read a journal of them!

disturbed soul with such talent. ( )

I made this "biography" instead of autobiographical because it is edited by Ted Hughes in which he removed at will a large part of the journal. I would recommend reading the unabridged version, not this one unless you want to compare the two. ( )