by Jeffrey Eugenides
(First published 1993)
Opening Sentence
On the morning the last Lisbon daughter took her turn at suicide — it was Mary this time, and sleeping pills, like Therese — the two paramedics arrived at the house knowing exactly where the knife drawer was, and the gas oven, and the beam in the basement from which it was possible to tie a rope.
About the Book
... [The Virgin Suicides] is the story of the five Lisbon sisters – beautiful, eccentric, and obsessively watched by the entire neighborhood.The boys that once loved them from afar are now grown men, determined to understand a tragedy that has always defied explanation. For still, the question remains – why did all five of the Lisbon girls take their own lives?This hypnotic and unforgettable novel treats adolescent love and death with haunting sensitivity and dark humor, and creates a coming-of-age story unlike any of our time. (Description from GoodReads)
Initial Thoughts
Well, my first thought when I read that opening sentence was "Wow, that's very disturbing." I still think so.
I've actually just finished reading this one, and LOVED it. Not sure why it took me so long to find it. I remember that it caused a huge stir when it was first published, but somehow I've managed to miss it until now. I definitely regret that, because it's one of the best books I've read in years.
It was apparently made into a successful motion picture, too —which I also missed out on. I notice it's available from Netflix, so I might have to watch it one of these days. But films made from your favorite novels are generally let-downs, aren't they? So I'll think about that a bit.
Anyway.... Here's another version of the cover — this is from the original hardcover edition.
Have a good weekend, everyone.
Stay safe. Stay calm. And happy reading!
Stay safe. Stay calm. And happy reading!
Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Friday As she says, the idea is to post the first sentence (or so) of the book you're currently reading, along with any first impressions or thoughts you have about the book, the author, etc. It's a wonderful way of adding new books to your must-read list, and a chance to connect with other readers and bloggers.
I will read this as well. Different premises and those always draw my attention.
ReplyDeleteI bought a new template for my blog (also blogger) a couple of weeks back and I have no problems. But I did struggle with my older one. That's why I just bought the new one. It didn't take me too long to get everything working. I still need to tweak here and there, but mostly it's good!
Happy weekend!
Weekend Book Friends
Yes, a very disturbing story...but great excerpt!
ReplyDeleteI gave up on Blogger several years ago when I kept running into weird glitches. WP does weird changes sometimes...but usually they allow for a work-around to the original method.
Enjoy whatever you decide. I love the versatile themes at WP.
Here's mine: “UNFOLLOW ME”
I thought VIRGIN SUICIDES was a pretty strange book but I know people who think it is the best ever. The author is amazing. My Friday Quotes are here
ReplyDeleteBlogger has been annoying me too! I think I read The Virgin Suicides years ago, but I don't really remember it. Doesn't it take place in Michigan? I think I remember a fish fly scene - I hate fish flies! Thanks for sharing and enjoy your week :)
ReplyDeleteI saw the movie and it was good. Sad though.
ReplyDeleteI may still read the book though.
I've never read this but one day I'm going to have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteAnything that changes these days is annoying me. Blogger is just one more but Wordpress wasn’t easy for me either!
ReplyDelete