The Virgin Suicides (Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition) Book Summary
A Novel
TL;DR
A haunting, lyrical tale of the five Lisbon sisters and their tragic suicides, told through the eyes of neighborhood boys who grapple with understanding their mysterious lives and deaths.
What is The Virgin Suicides (Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition) about
The Virgin Suicides is a poignant novel set in a quiet suburb of Detroit, focusing on the tragic lives and deaths of the five Lisbon sisters. Over the course of a year, the sisters, who are beautiful and eccentric, take their own lives, leaving the neighborhood boys who obsess over them to piece together the reasons behind their suicides. Jeffrey Eugenides masterfully combines themes of adolescence, love, and despair, creating a deeply affecting coming-of-age story that delves into the darker aspects of suburban American life.
The Virgin Suicides (Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition) 6 Key Takeaways
Introduction of the Lisbon sisters
The five Lisbon sisters—Cecilia, Lux, Bonnie, Mary, and Therese—are introduced as enigmatic and beautiful figures who captivate the neighborhood boys.
Cecilia's first suicide attempt and eventual death
Cecilia, the youngest sister, attempts suicide but survives, leading to heightened scrutiny and concern. She later succeeds in taking her own life, marking the beginning of the family's downward spiral.
Lux's rebellious behavior
Lux Lisbon becomes increasingly rebellious, engaging in risky behaviors and defying her parents' strict rules, which further isolates the sisters from the outside world.
The boys' obsession
The neighborhood boys become obsessed with the Lisbon sisters, documenting their every move and trying to understand their lives and the reasons behind their suicides.
The remaining sisters' suicides
The remaining four sisters plan and execute a group suicide, leaving the boys and the community in shock and despair, grappling with the aftermath and meaning of their deaths.
The boys' adult reflections
As adults, the boys continue to be haunted by the memories of the Lisbon sisters, reflecting on the impact of their deaths and the mysteries that remain unresolved.
Top The Virgin Suicides (Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition) Quotes
- 'What lingered after them was not life, but the most trivial list of mundane facts.'
- 'We felt the imprisonment of being a girl, the way it made your mind active and dreamy, and how you ended up knowing what colors went together.'
Who should read The Virgin Suicides (Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition)?
This book is ideal for readers who enjoy deeply emotional and thought-provoking literary fiction, particularly those interested in themes of adolescence, mental health, and the darker aspects of suburban life.
The Virgin Suicides (Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition) Best Reviews
- 'A mesmerizing novel that captures the dark side of adolescence with haunting precision. Eugenides' writing is both lyrical and unsettling.' - The New York Times
- 'The Virgin Suicides is a modern classic, a deeply affecting story of love and loss in suburban America.' - The Guardian
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The Virgin Suicides (Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition) FAQs
What is the main theme of The Virgin Suicides?
The main theme of The Virgin Suicides is the exploration of adolescence, isolation, and the impact of trauma and memory on individuals and communities.
Who are the main characters in The Virgin Suicides?
The main characters are the five Lisbon sisters—Cecilia, Lux, Bonnie, Mary, and Therese—and the neighborhood boys who obsessively watch and try to understand them.