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A review by molly_greenshields
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The title of this book should perhaps have forewarned me of its brutality... but alas, I was blindsided by the beautiful cover (thanks Picador). I can't honestly decide how I feel about The Virgin Suicides... on the one hand, I found myself hooked by what was perhaps one of the best examples of an unreliable narrator I've ever seen done (I *truly* hated those boys... although, what's new?). On the other hand, I did find myself feeling physically sick a whole awful lot (perhaps not totally surprising). Personally, I don't think I should have picked up a book that deals with this topic in such a blasé way, as it was really difficult for me to stomach the romanticisation and sensationalising of suicide (albeit in a sarcastic manner... I get that that was the point, I just didn't like it). Having said that, I do think Eugenides' prose is powerful and worth a read if this isn't something that you'd struggle with.
Graphic: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Death, Suicide attempt, Self harm, and Grief
Moderate: Gore, Blood, and Body horror
Minor: Pregnancy