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A review by babyanarkist
Jomfrudød - The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides, Dag Heyerdahl Larsen
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.25
I loved the writing. Absolutely adored it.
It is one of those books that carries itself completely in the writing, and the plot becomes an afterthought. The way the sentences flow endlessly with details of places and people, because the boys know everyone but the virgins. From the diabetic kid to the old neighborhood lady. These people grew up. The girls didn't.
I tend to avoid books with male protagonists, about men (and this book is about the boys). But I can't help loving the deconstruction of the male gaze.
How do you make suicide boring? By making it realistic. By making it anything but scandalous. By criticizing the way we scandalize suicide. And in all ways, desexualize it. Brilliant.
I'm probably gonna re-read this in the future.
It is one of those books that carries itself completely in the writing, and the plot becomes an afterthought. The way the sentences flow endlessly with details of places and people, because the boys know everyone but the virgins. From the diabetic kid to the old neighborhood lady. These people grew up. The girls didn't.
I tend to avoid books with male protagonists, about men (and this book is about the boys). But I can't help loving the deconstruction of the male gaze.
How do you make suicide boring? By making it realistic. By making it anything but scandalous. By criticizing the way we scandalize suicide. And in all ways, desexualize it. Brilliant.
I'm probably gonna re-read this in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, and Death
Minor: Pregnancy, Ableism, and Racial slurs