To Die For: A Novel

To Die For is a 1992 novel by Joyce Maynard. It tells the story of Suzanne Stone Maretto, a beautiful and ambitious high school student who murders her classmate, Jimmy Pilcher, in order to achieve fame. The novel was adapted into a 1995 film of the same name, starring Nicole Kidman as Suzanne.

To Die For is a scathing indictment of the superficiality and narcissism of American culture. Maynard's characters are all obsessed with fame and willing to do anything to achieve it. Suzanne is a particularly unlikable character. She is manipulative, selfish, and completely lacking in empathy. However, Maynard also manages to make her a sympathetic figure. Suzanne is a product of her environment. She has been raised in a culture that values beauty and popularity above all else. She is desperate for attention and approval, and she will stop at nothing to get it.

The novel is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of the media. Suzanne is able to manipulate the media to her advantage. She uses her beauty and charm to win over the reporters and cameramen. She knows how to play the game, and she uses the media to create a false image of herself.

To Die For: A Novel

by Joyce Maynard

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4306 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	424 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The media frenzy surrounding Suzanne's trial is a microcosm of the way that the media often sensationalizes crimes. The reporters are more interested in selling newspapers than in getting at the truth. They are willing to distort the facts and even fabricate stories in order to create a more exciting narrative.

To Die For is a powerful and disturbing novel. It is a reminder of the dark side of the American dream. The novel is also a warning about the dangers of the media. We need to be aware of the ways that the media can be manipulated and used to deceive us.

• Suzanne Stone Maretto is a beautiful and ambitious high school student who murders her classmate, Jimmy Pilcher, in order to achieve fame.
• Jimmy Pilcher is a kind and gentle boy who is Suzanne's classmate and love interest.
• Larry Maretto is Suzanne's husband and the father of her two children. He is a successful businessman who is deeply in love with Suzanne.
• Rachel Maretto is Suzanne's daughter. She is a bright and beautiful child who is unaware of her mother's dark side.
• Nick Maretto is Suzanne's son. He is a shy and withdrawn child who is often bullied by his classmates.

• The American dream: To Die For is a scathing indictment of the superficiality and narcissism of American culture. Maynard's characters are all obsessed with fame and willing to do anything to achieve it.
• The media: The novel is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of the media. Suzanne is able to manipulate the media to her advantage. She uses her beauty and charm to win over the reporters and cameramen. She knows how to play the game, and she uses the media to create a false image of herself.
• Murder: The novel is also a gripping crime thriller. The murder of Jimmy Pilcher is a senseless and brutal act. It is a reminder of the dark side of human nature.

To Die For received critical acclaim upon its release. The New York Times called it "a tour de force" and "a brilliant dissection of the American dream." The Washington Post called it "a chilling and unforgettable novel."

The novel was also adapted into a 1995 film of the same name, starring Nicole Kidman as Suzanne. The film was a critical and commercial success. It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for Kidman.

To Die For: A Novel

by Joyce Maynard

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4306 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	424 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE