A modern classic. Guardian A near-perfect work of art. Joyce Carol Oates I was supposed to be having the time of my life . . . Working as an intern for a New York fashion magazine in the summer of 1953, Esther Greenwood is on the brink of her future. Yet she is also on the edge of a darkness that makes her world increasingly unreal. Esthers vision of the world shimmers and shifts: day-to-day living in the sultry city, her crazed men-friends, the hot dinner dances . . . the Bell Jar, Sylvia Plaths only novel, is partially based on Plaths own life. It has been celebrated for its darkly funny and razor sharp portrait of 1950s society, and has sold millions of copies worldwide. ONE of the BBCS 100 NOVELS THAT SHAPED OUR WORLD As clear and readable as it is witty and disturbing. New York Times Book Review Reader responses: Very readable, often darkly funny, and feels fresh. Plaths masterpiece . . . Its amazing how relevant this book still is. So enthralling . . . So thought provoking, so vivid, that its thoroughly engrossing. I just couldnt put it down. Ever better than I expected. Plaths underrated humour shines through this startling account of 1950s normality.