In 'We Need to Talk About Kevin,' Lionel Shriver explores the chilling relationship between a mother and her son, Kevin, who has committed a horrific act of violence at their school. Through a series of unsettling letters, the mother delves into her struggles with Kevin's troubling behavior and her own feelings of guilt and complicity. As she tries to understand the nature of Kevin's evil, the book raises provocative questions about parenting, nature versus nurture, and the boundaries of love. The psychological depth and emotional tension create an unforgettable narrative that both disturbs and fascinates. Readers are left to ponder: how well can we truly know our children?
By Lionel Shriver
Published: 2011
""The truth about Kevin is that he is a reflection of our fears, our failures, and our inability to confront the darkness within ourselves.""
Eva never really wanted to be a mother—and certainly not the mother of a boy who ends up murdering seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker, and a much-adored teacher who tried to befriend him, all two days before his sixteenth birthday. Now, two years later, it is time for her to come to terms with marriage, career, family, parenthood, and Kevin’s horrific rampage, in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her estranged husband, Franklin. Uneasy with the sacrifices and social demotion of motherhood from the start, Eva fears that her alarming dislike for her own son may be responsible for driving him so nihilistically off the rails.
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“"The truth about Kevin is that he is a reflection of our fears, our failures, and our inability to confront the darkness within ourselves."”
We Need to Talk About Kevin tie-in
By Lionel Shriver
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Lionel Shriver is an acclaimed American author, known for her keen insights into societal issues and the intricacies of human relationships. She gained international recognition with her novel 'We Need to Talk About Kevin,' which explores the complexities of parenting and the nature of evil. Shriver's writing is characterized by its psychological depth, dark humor, and provocative themes that challenge conventional perspectives. Other notable works include 'The Post-Birthday World' and 'Big Brother,' both of which showcase her talent for engaging with contemporary dilemmas. A recipient of numerous literary awards, Shriver continues to captivate readers with her thought-provoking narratives.
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