Saturday Read: The Virgin Suicides, by Jeffery Eugenides

384px-virgicides.jpgLike “A Clockwork Orange”, this book is probably more famous as a film. But, again, the book is infinitely better!

Jeffery Eugenides has received much praise in the past few years for his novel Middlesex, which is a great book too, but The Virgin Suicides was his first mega hit…and for good reason.

It is a simple yet powerful story. Eugenides forgoes the use of literary devices and flowery language and instead pours his energy into creating a unique plot. The title is pretty self-explanatory and the frankness with which Eugenides describes the events is riveting. Some books are enhanced by descriptive details and flowery imagery, but The Virgin Suicides proves that none of that is necessary when weaving a great story. It is a perfect example of how a short and concise book can still evoke emotion when written by a great author.

The story revolves around the five Lisbon sisters and events that take place in their town. It is told from the point of view of a group of boys who are obsessed with the sisters. This is interesting because, just like the narrators, the reader never truly knows what is happening inside the sisters’ heads and can only make assumptions.

This illustrates another aspect of Eugenides’ writing prowess: he writes this book and gets you thinking, but never gives you a definitive answer. Some people may find this frustrating, but I find it fascinating. We are constantly reading books for school that require us to digest and never to think; this book allows you to do both.

If you’re looking for a quick read, The Virgin Suicides is a good choice.  It’s also a good start if you’re looking to get into the work of Jeffery Eugenides, which is oftentimes long, complex and a work (well worth it) to get through.

7 Comments on "Saturday Read: The Virgin Suicides, by Jeffery Eugenides"

  1. Marisa - Wesleyan University says:
    Sat, 14th Feb 200912:21 pm 

    I absolutely LOVE this book. It’s one of my all-time favorites. It was the first book I read that really stayed with me long after I put the book down.

  2. Meg says:
    Sat, 14th Feb 20097:43 pm 

    love love looooooooooooove this book, its one of my top ten favorite books of all time :)

  3. Star says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 200912:41 am 

    I want to read this now. Haven’t seen the movie but I’ve heard it was good. And I just want to say how awesome it is that there’s a blog about books! I love reading and I really like having advice on some good choices that I might normally pass up. So thanks :)

  4. Brittany says:
    Sun, 15th Feb 200911:12 pm 

    I also love this book. The movie was pretty well done. Now I want to go read it again!

  5. Megan says:
    Mon, 16th Feb 20091:10 am 

    This book and Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palhniuk are my favorite books of all time.

    I read this four years ago when I was and it was incredible.

    To this day I reread it every few months.

  6. Grady says:
    Mon, 16th Feb 20092:36 am 

    Definitely my favorite book ever. I have several copies, just in case, and purchase it for friends as well – SO amazing!

  7. Marie says:
    Mon, 16th Feb 20093:47 pm 

    This is one of my favorite books. So absolutely amazing.

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