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A review by franalibi
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
4.0
Despite the heavy topic, this was an enthralling read. Both heartbreaking and beautiful, the Lisbon sisters mystified the narrators of this story who follow them right up until their tragic ends...
Now men, the narrators look back on the time period where the sisters were still alive, while looking to “exhibits” of the girls’ possessions. They look through windows to spy on them — and after the first suicide, comment on how visibly the house “dies” with the spirits of the sisters and parents.
In a way it’s also a hidden theme of the male gaze. It’s not explicit, though a narrator going by “we” whom always talk about the girls’ appearances, sexual behaviour and how they love them, etc. And the fact the parents shut them up in the house after certain events to keep them from being seen by the others.
I advise if you get triggered by imagery of death/suicide to not read this.
Now men, the narrators look back on the time period where the sisters were still alive, while looking to “exhibits” of the girls’ possessions. They look through windows to spy on them — and after the first suicide, comment on how visibly the house “dies” with the spirits of the sisters and parents.
In a way it’s also a hidden theme of the male gaze. It’s not explicit, though a narrator going by “we” whom always talk about the girls’ appearances, sexual behaviour and how they love them, etc. And the fact the parents shut them up in the house after certain events to keep them from being seen by the others.
I advise if you get triggered by imagery of death/suicide to not read this.