A review by jessiekind_
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

5.0

[b:We Need to Talk About Kevin|870775|We Need to Talk About Kevin|Lionel Shriver|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1179070933s/870775.jpg|3106720] is an epistolary novel narrated by Kevin’s mother, Eva Katchadourian. Through the letters to her presumed estranged husband, this novel presents brutally honest ideas which would often be shied away from, such as the ambivalent emotions Eva has for her son and the psychopathic behaviours of a child. It is made immediately clear what these behaviours led to; the massacre of seven fellow students, a cafeteria worker and a teacher. This novel tells the story of Kevins life through Evas eyes, who recounts that there was always a constant struggle for domination in their relationship, with Kevin uncaring to watching eyes and cruel behind closed doors. As the novel develops these issues become more apparent through what could easily be household accidents but always seem to have an obviously sinister edge. With these accidents becoming increasingly frequent it is easy to gain a strong feeling of empathy with Eva, who becomes more and more desperate at the state of her son, feelings which are only elevated by the indifference which her husband displays to her pleas. There is a lot of exploration into the nature vs. nurture debate and although a definite conclusion is never reached this psychological, and at times philosophical element adds a depth to the story ensuring that I personally was left thinking about it long after reading the explosive final pages of this novel despite what can easily be viewed as a disturbing topic as its heart.