A review by laurenshikari
The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

5.0

This book follows the suicides of 6 sisters in a suburban town, told through the perspective of the neighbourhood boys who are mystified by them. The narrative standpoint of this book is so interesting, and sometimes disturbing, but it forces you to think beyond what's being told directly to you. You don't really feel fulfilled by the conclusions and perspectives until you take the time to decide what the effect and purpose of the novel was. I personally feel that the book is a story of how the girls were disgustingly let down by their community and their admirers, and the mistreatment of young girls both in reality and in perception. This is an important, though upsetting, theme.
In terms of writing style, it's nothing short of impressive - a gruesome and bleak environment told through lyrical prose.
There were some choices the author made that I didn't love, but overall this was a thoughtful and dark read - and let's be honest, those kinds are pretty great.