THE VIRGIN SUICIDES, published in 1993, was written by Jeffrey Eugenides who went on to win the Pulitzer for MIDDLESEX a decade later. Many saw the 2000 movie, but never read the book. I may be 20 years late in reading it, but am SO glad that I did because, in spite of 30 year difference in time, its message and social significance is just as compelling today.
The book is narrated by one of the many young boys, now grown, who obsessed over the Lisbon sisters during that strange and unusual year set in comfortable suburban Grosse Pointe area in the early 70s: to the outside observer, living the American Dream. The memories and ‘investigations’ attempt to make sense of the events and for all the detailed examination of the people and the times, no definitive answer can be provided as to the moment why/when things turned (imagery of rotting, decay). It is especially interesting if considered with the “Tiger Mother” concept that is so much in the news these days, questioning the results of such pressure to young girls/women.
As a reading pleasure, don’t miss this book IF you can get past the grief and the darkness. The writing is rich and descriptive and lush and full of wonderful images and metaphors. It explicitly re-creates and examines the illusion of normalcy in a culture and community. Eugenides writes with such imagination and grace.
Recommended for Adults and Mature Teens.
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