Pete Germuth's Reviews > The Yellow Wall-Paper

This short story is a true classic, and there is no way to explain how satisfying and interesting it is to read. It follows an unreliable narrator who is suffering from postpartum depression in the 1800's. She suffers under a patriarchal society and isn't allowed to work or think or do anything, as this was the 'treatment' for her to get better. In reality this piece is most famous for being a subtle feminist critique, and although it delivers a strong and resonating message it is far more the that. The descriptions are absolutely gorgeous and enchanting and the vivid imagery ties it all together.

What I enjoyed most from the story was the fact that it is written as diary entries told through the perspective of the main character. This makes the narrator's insanity feel almost logical and her hallucinations and obsession with 'the yellow wallpaper' feels so real it could be perceived as normal. In my opinion, this short story is incredibly similar to 'The bell Jar' in that sense, since in this book Esther's mental illness is so normalized its terrifying yet intriguing. If you like this piece do be sure to check out 'The bell Jar' and Sylvia Plath's work.