Yes, 'The Bell Jar' is a classic. It's semi - autobiographical, and Sylvia Plath's own experiences with depression and suicidal ideation are reflected in the story. It gives a vivid account of a young woman's descent into a mental abyss.
They tend to be quite deep in exploring the human psyche. In 'A Little Life', we see how past traumas can shape a person's self - worth and lead to self - destructive thoughts. The narrative dives into the roots of the characters' pain and how it manifests in their actions and thoughts regarding suicide.
One common theme is mental illness. Often, the characters in these books are dealing with depression, anxiety or other psychological disorders that contribute to their suicidal thoughts. For example, in 'The Bell Jar', Esther Greenwood's struggle with depression is a central aspect.
A book like 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara also touches on themes related to self - harm and suicidal tendencies. The story of the characters is complex and heart - wrenching, showing how past traumas can lead a person to such a dark place. It's a long and detailed exploration of the human condition in the face of extreme pain.
On the other hand, it can also be a trigger for some. If a reader is already in a vulnerable mental state, the detailed descriptions of suicidal feelings and actions in these books might be too much. However, if read in a proper context and with the right support, it can be a form of catharsis. It can allow the reader to process their own feelings or those of someone they know who may be going through a tough time.
Isolation is another theme. The characters may feel cut off from the rest of society or their loved ones. In 'The Bell Jar', the protagonist feels alienated from the people around her, which exacerbates her mental turmoil. This sense of being alone makes the option of suicide seem more viable to them.
They usually aim to raise awareness. By portraying the experiences of those with depression or suicidal thoughts, books like 'Thirteen Reasons Why' make readers more aware of the signs and the impact of their actions on others. They also show how complex these issues can be.
One such book is '13 Reasons Why' by Jay Asher. It delves into the reasons a teenage girl chose to end her life through a series of tapes she left behind, exploring themes like bullying, peer pressure, and mental health issues among teenagers.
One reason could be that such books aim to raise awareness about the issue and help people understand the underlying causes and consequences. Also, they might offer hope and support for those dealing with similar thoughts.
One well - known suicide - related fiction book is 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath. It offers a semi - autobiographical look into the main character's struggle with mental illness and suicidal thoughts. Another is 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara which, among other themes, delves into the impact of past traumas that can lead to such dark places in a person's mind.