The Virgin Suicides is not a true story in the sense that it recounts real events involving actual people. Instead, it is a work of fiction written by Jeffrey Eugenides, published in 1993. The novel tells the tale of the five Lisbon sisters—Cecilia, Lux, Bonnie, Mary, and Therese—living in suburban Detroit in the 1970s. While the characters and their stories are fictional, the book explores themes of adolescence, isolation, and the impact of tragedy, which may resonate with readers’ real-life experiences.
Eugenides has mentioned in interviews that while the story is made up, it was inspired by his own experiences growing up in a similar suburban environment, and he drew on the feelings of melancholy and mystery that often surround adolescence. The novel’s blend of surreal elements with a poignant exploration of youth and loss has led many readers to feel a deep connection to its narrative, as it captures the essence of life’s struggles.