Indelible: The Bell Jar

In 1963, women existing within the patriarchy did not have the agency to be issued a credit card, serve on a jury, use birth control, or enjoy workplace equality (let alone access to many careers).  Poet Sylvia Plath's 1963 semi-autobiographical novel detailing her experiences and mental health struggles, The Bell Jar, rung in the second wave of feminism while earning a place as a conservative censor favorite.

Plath's challenge of gendered social norms and #tradwife culture, mentions of suicide, and her frank discussion of mental health made it a popular target for conservative audiences. Importantly, Plath's own biography has been censored, edited, and sculpted posthumosuly by her abuser husband, Ted Hughes.

The volatility of life with Hughes and a need to distinguish her own voice as a separate one instead of continuing to be published as "Mrs. Ted Hughes." led Plath to publish the book under a pseudonym shortly before her own suicide. The surface view of Plath that is commonly portrayed highlights her worst moments rather then her original brilliant work and insight.

Preorders for yarn inspired by the book are open from March 22-29, 2025. $1 from each Indelible skein sold will be donated quarterly to the American Library Association's Unite Against Book Bans coalition.