Your Own, Sylvia draws on Plathâs writing and extensive nonfiction sources, chronicling Hemphillâs interpretation of Plathâs life from infancy to her death by suicide at age 30. The poems are arranged chronologically and each conveys an experience in Plathâs life told via the voice and perspective of family members, friends, doctors, fellow writers, etc.âas interpreted by Hemphill. Each poem is accompanied by an addendum that further explains the factual circumstances of that poemâs subject. The book also includes an Authorâs Note, some photos, a section describing the source material for each poem, and suggestions for further reading.