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A review by spootilious
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Read: October 18, 2024
Title: We Need To Talk ABout Kevin
Author: Lionel Shriver
Title: We Need To Talk ABout Kevin
Author: Lionel Shriver
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 3/5
Review:
I absolutely hated reading this book. From start to finish, it was a struggle. The writing itself is decent, but the entire narrative felt like a self-righteous woman complaining about motherhood and blaming her child for everything. Sure, her son turned out to be a terrible person, but was it entirely his fault? Who knows. Either way, she certainly didn’t help.
Review:
I absolutely hated reading this book. From start to finish, it was a struggle. The writing itself is decent, but the entire narrative felt like a self-righteous woman complaining about motherhood and blaming her child for everything. Sure, her son turned out to be a terrible person, but was it entirely his fault? Who knows. Either way, she certainly didn’t help.
I get that the book was meant to provoke thought, and it did. But just because it makes you think doesn’t mean you have to like it. In fact, it seems like this book was intentionally written to provoke strong reactions, and it succeeded.
I couldn’t find a single character to root for, relate to, or even like. The main character, who isn’t Kevin, is a whiny, middle-aged rich woman who spends so much time bashing America that it becomes exhausting. Her daughter seemed to be there just to humanize her, but even that didn’t work. The way Shriver tries to normalize everything just made it all feel so over-the-top and unbelievable, like watching a poorly written high school play. Eva is obviously a narcissist, and her husband is so emotionally abusive that they both come across as psychotic.
On the other hand, I do have to give Shriver credit for the audacity to drag so many taboo subjects into the light. The book forces you to examine tough topics like motherhood, violence, and the boundaries of love. And it all revolves around one central question: Why?
To clarify my feelings: I hated this book, and I still do. I never want to read anything like it again—it was torture. But because it provoked such strong emotions, I think it’s a must-read for those who enjoy disturbing, thought-provoking commentaries on tough issues.
Note: While I may not personally enjoy certain works, I can still recognize and appreciate their value as significant literature.
QUOTES: N/A
TW: School shootings, sexual content, sexual assault, alledged sexual assault, premeditation, murder, mass murder, child abuse, torture, gaslighting, anti-motherhood, child death, pregnancy, manipulation, violence, police, political content, xenophobia.