The Virgin Suicides

by Jeffrey Eugenides
The Virgin Suicides cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £14.99
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Format • £9.49–£14.24
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Technical
  • ID: 5520
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781250303547
  • Publisher: Picador
  • Published: 2018-10-02
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 3

The Virgin Suicides is a lyrical and timeless tale that transforms and mythologizes suburban middle-American life. First published in 1993, this novel announced the arrival of a major new American novelist. Jeffrey Eugenides evokes the emotions of youth with haunting sensitivity and dark humor, creating a coming-of-age story unlike any other. The novel has been adapted into a critically acclaimed film by Sofia Coppola and remains a powerful exploration of adolescent love, disquiet, and death. Set in a quiet suburb of Detroit, the story revolves around the five Lisbon sisters—beautiful, eccentric, and obsessively watched by the neighborhood boys. As the boys observe them from afar, they piece together the mystery of the family's fatal melancholy. The novel's hypnotic and unforgettable narrative delves into the complexities of youth and the tragic events that unfold over the course of a single year.

Reviews
Amazon · 2025-10-24
respectful 4.00

The book is enjoyable and respectfully written, but it doesn't keep the reader hooked. The writing is commendable, earning it a high rating.

The reviewer enjoyed the book and respects Eugenides's writing, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars. However, they note that it didn't keep them hooked or wanting more. They appreciate the quality of the writing and the depth of the story, even if it didn't fully captivate them. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths, particularly the author's skill in crafting a compelling narrative, despite its lack of immediate appeal.

Quick quotes

    Whilst it didn't keep me hooked or wanting more, I did enjoy this book.

    I entirely respect Eugenides writing, thus awarding his début novel 4/5 stars.

    The writing is commendable, earning it a high rating.

Berkeley Fiction Review · 2024-03-04
haunting 4.00

The novel is a powerful exploration of sex, suicide, and suburban malaise. It is a haunting and memorable work that leaves a lasting impression.

The reviewer finds 'The Virgin Suicides' to be a powerful exploration of sex, suicide, and suburban malaise. They highlight the novel's haunting and memorable qualities, which leave a lasting impression. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the story, which delves into the darker aspects of human experience. They note that the novel's exploration of these themes is both compelling and unsettling, making it a standout work. The reviewer acknowledges the novel's ability to evoke a sense of unease and introspection, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    A powerful exploration of sex, suicide, and suburban malaise.

    The novel is a haunting and memorable work that leaves a lasting impression.

    The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the story, which delves into the darker aspects of human experience.

The Guardian · 2023-01-26
obsessive 4.00

The novel's bleakly comic tone and intense familiarity make it a compelling read. It explores themes of doom and obsession in a way that feels deeply personal.

The reviewer finds Jeffrey Eugenides's novel intensely familiar and bleakly comic, making it a compelling read. They are drawn to the story of the five doomed sisters, which feels deeply personal and resonant. The novel's exploration of obsession and doom is particularly striking, making it a book they return to often. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to capture the complexities of human experience, even in its darkest moments. They highlight the novel's unique tone and its ability to evoke a sense of familiarity and intimacy, making it a standout work.

Quick quotes

    Jeffrey Eugenides's story of five doomed midwestern sisters felt intensely familiar.

    What is it that makes me return to this bleakly comic novel again and again?

    The novel's exploration of obsession and doom is particularly striking.

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