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We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver - 4* - My Review

I had been unsure about reading this book due to the subject matter. I did not know much about it other than it is about a teen who has committed a mass killing. Kevin’s mother is writing a series of letters to his father, analyzing what has happened over the course of Kevin’s life leading up to that horrific Thursday. She is attempting to be as honest with herself as possible, but the reader also questions her reliability as a narrator. To say the least, this is a dark and disturbing book, and there are a few plot developments that stretch belief. What surprised me is that it is so well constructed, and the psychology so well developed, that it ended up being a gripping read, despite the topic. It is extremely unsettling but also provides considerable food for thought.

I really liked this book and am surprised that I think about it fairly often. It isn't something I often recommend because of the subject matter, but everyone I have recommended it to has said they enjoyed it. Enjoyed it is probably the wrong word, but you know what I mean.

Yes, I do know what you mean. It really looks closely at the nature of psychopathy. I am surprised by how riveted I was to this book.

Tilda Swinton starred in the 2011 film. She was good but the actor who played her son was fantastic. It had to be a difficult role. The visuals were very impactful and I think it was one of the rare movies that was as good as the book.

I almost read this when it first came out. People said it was disturbing, but I didn't know what he did. He shares a name with my husband, and that was enough to keep me away. Silly reason, I know. The high praise from both of you is persuasive. Joy - because of the psychology comment, as well as what you didn’t say. Lynda- because you often think of it. It must be good to stand out from the thousands of other books you have read.

OM, I haven't seen the film. I can handle books better than visuals when it comes to violence.

Nancy, I think you could handle it as long as you are in the right frame of mind going into it.

I keep seeing this film and book pop-up and I know eventually I'll get to either one of them (or both), but it's such a dark subject I really need to make sure my brain is in the right place before I grab either version.