The Virgins

Unconsummated. Readers of a plot summary may think they have read the story Pamela Erens relates in her novel, The Virgins, too many times before and would take a pass on this one. They would be wrong. Set in a New Hampshire prep school in 1979, Erens tells of the powerful sexual awakening of protagonists Aviva Rossner and Seung Jung. Narrated from the perspective of a classmate, readers learn quickly that this romantic relationship is not what it appears to be. Alongside love is loss and tragedy. Erens crafts her prose with exquisite skill, and creates perfect tension as she unfolds the narrative. Readers who appreciate finely written literary prose and well-developed complex characters are those most likely to enjoy this novel. Rating: Five-star (I love it) Click here to purchase The Virgins from amazon.com.