We Need to Talk About Kevin

By Lionel Shriver

We Need To Talk About Kevin This has been on our list for a while. It was mentioned in the aftermath of the Virginia shootings so it was apt that we should read it and that it provoked a lively discussion. The book takes the form of letters from Eva to Franklin her ex husband and as such appears self centred . The letters start on November the 9th 2000 and end on April the 5th 2001. It was praised for being well written, well thought out ,realistic, topical and to the point, airing the nature/nurture debate : was Kevin born wicked or was it a series of events throughout his life which led him to kill his fellow students? Many of us found difficulty reading this book and gave up possibly because of the author's style described by one reader as "wittering and rambling "The prose was dense which combined with the subject matter meant it was not an easy read. Those who did read the whole book however praised it comparing it with Shakespeare and applauding the fantastic ending which offered hope. It challenges the reader to confront the fear that children are human and therefore just as capable of inflicting pain and hatred as anyone else. In the current climate it was a thought provoking read .