Carl E. Rollyson

Just a short review because I wasn't planning on reviewing the book and secondly it was a "for fun" read.

I didn't know much about Plath except from reading The Bell Jar and knowing she took her own life. I didn't even know she was a poet; I have since bought a collection of her poetry. I was after some basic background on the author that everyone seems to know. I got much more than that from American Isis. My initial thoughts were this woman is brilliant and crazy. Why doesn't anyone see the last part? It is pretty obvious. The more I read, the more I started seeing the traits a close friend of mine shared with Plath. My friend took her own life six years ago. The reading was quite eerie and at points had me thinking back.

Since most of the source material came from those close to her and her own writing, it may have been hard for people close to her to see. I am sure that some people must have thought -- "It's Sylvia just being Sylvia." It's only later that we see it is something more.

The book was a good insight to Plath's life. I know much more about her life and what she went through. It was an enlightening read.… (mere)

Rebecca West was the pen name of British author Dame Cicely Isabel Fairfield. She has one child, Anthony West, with fellow writer H.G. Wells. This well written chronological biography described her life as a mother, author, literary critic, and book reviewer. Although there are very few footnotes, additional sources are provided in the epilogue, acknowledgment, and extensive bibliography.

I was randomly chosen through a Shelf Awareness Giveaway to receive this book free from the publisher. Although encouraged, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.… (mere)