The Silent Woman

This book is not a traditional biography of Sylvia Plath but rather an exploration of the genre of biography itself.

Janet Malcolm delves into the complex relationship between Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes, as well as the interactions between biographers and their subjects.

She examines the moral and personal choices behind biographical writing, highlighting the conflicts and ethical dilemmas faced by those who write about the lives of others.

The book also critiques the role of Olwyn Hughes, Ted's sister, in controlling the narrative of Plath's life and works.

Malcolm's work is characterized by its candid and insightful analysis of the biographical process and its inherent flaws.