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A review by _tabby_
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
"Obviously, Doctor, you've never been a thirteen-year-old girl"
The concept of the book is about the tragedy of growing up as sheltered girls with no outlet for the suicidal thoughts. Although Cecilia's initial reason for suicide and her attempts remains unknown, its clear that this sheltered life and Mrs Lisbon were the major driving forces in the girls inability to seek help (although the book never stated this explicitly).
It's told through the POV of a group of boys in the town who were obsessed with the Lisbon girls so the narrative isn't entirely accurate to the thoughts and feelings of the girls themselves but they do state when they know the recollection isn't clear.
Although i think this narrative choice adds an interesting layer to the story as the narrator is simply obsessed, enamoured and in love with the girls. So rather than giving us deeper insight to the girls from a humane perspective: they simply tell the events, in a factual manner, as they happen and use a collection of multiple boys knowledge to decide what was the most plausible.
In terms of the book writing itself I found it a very easy read. Doesn't go into too much emotional detail for such a sensitive topic but perhaps that choice is for the best. It keeps the naivety and mystery of the Lisbon girls at the forefront.
The concept of the book is about the tragedy of growing up as sheltered girls with no outlet for the suicidal thoughts. Although Cecilia's initial reason for suicide and her attempts remains unknown, its clear that this sheltered life and Mrs Lisbon were the major driving forces in the girls inability to seek help (although the book never stated this explicitly).
It's told through the POV of a group of boys in the town who were obsessed with the Lisbon girls so the narrative isn't entirely accurate to the thoughts and feelings of the girls themselves but they do state when they know the recollection isn't clear.
Although i think this narrative choice adds an interesting layer to the story as the narrator is simply obsessed, enamoured and in love with the girls. So rather than giving us deeper insight to the girls from a humane perspective: they simply tell the events, in a factual manner, as they happen and use a collection of multiple boys knowledge to decide what was the most plausible.
In terms of the book writing itself I found it a very easy read. Doesn't go into too much emotional detail for such a sensitive topic but perhaps that choice is for the best. It keeps the naivety and mystery of the Lisbon girls at the forefront.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Sexual content and Toxic friendship