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kumipaul 's review for:
The Virgin Suicides
by Jeffrey Eugenides
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Painful in so many ways. First, the positives: Eugenides is structurally a very good writer. He wrote about a topic that was abysmally bleak, and he made a horribly depressing book on purpose, I suppose. So, given that this was probably his goal, indicting religious extremism, parental authoritarianism, teen angst, and how we handle death in general, and I would say he was successful there. But, come on, despite all the metaphorical digs at society, do I really need to reward this grim book with a good review? How could I possibly recommend it to someone other than someone I hoped would soon put their head in an oven? I'll say that a lot about it was "interesting", but I can't say that I enjoyed the read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Religious bigotry