A review by renreads2much
The Virgin Suicides (Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition) by Jeffrey Eugenides

challenging dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Genuinely never read a book that is anything like this. This was not what I expected when I picked this book up, but I'm not mad. 

  • Shows kind of a depressing and disgusting version of girlhood. Not because them themselves are disgusting, but because their situation and surroundings are and they aren't being taken care of properly and are neglected. 
  • There are some interesting parts and themes on sister-hood but we dont get to see too much of it since we as the reader are on the outside looking in. But I would've loved to see more of it.
  • I like how each of the girls are so different from one another and have a sense of individuality despite all being related and looking incredibly similar.
  • I like how we as the reader feel like were on the outside peering in trying to understand the girls. Just like the boys
    • Honestly, the cast of main boys, is kind of confusing to keep track of, and we never really learn about them as people. (Especially considering the fact that the main protagonist/narrator doesnt even have a name). 
  • This really does feel like its being told by a teenage boy (To be exact, the men are grown up and are looking back on the events and remembering them from when they were young.) 
    • I find the relationship they have with the Lisbon girls SO INTERESTING. Like, they're so close, but so far. (More so kept at arms length).  But, its kinda cool how observational the boys are of them and sweet, sad, and kinda creepy. Also kind of feel like the relationship is one-sided/unrequited love. 
  • Feels like a documentary about what happened 
  • The pacing is slow, which I dont mind, but at some points I kinda hated. But looking back, I understand why the pace was the way it was. 
  • The writing style feels abstract, experimental, and oddly real. I like it a lot, I find it capticating and unique. 
  • Beautifully sad, ultimately tragic.
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