We Need to Talk About Kevin

A Novel

By: Lionel Shriver

Narrated by: Coleen Marlo

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 16th 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.

©2003 Lionel Shriver (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

“Shriver handles this material, with its potential for cheap sentiment and soap opera plot, with rare skill and sense.” ( Newark Star Ledger)

“A slow, magnetic descent into hell that is as fascinating as it is disturbing.” ( Cleveland Plain Dealer)

“Powerful [and] harrowing.” ( Entertainment Weekly)

Complex and Tragic Pseudo-autobiography

Probably one of the most cleverly-written books I have ever read. The author weaves a tapestry so fine that the reader becomes more an observer who can't help identifying with the protagonist or questioning her actions, lack of action, and reactions.
The exploration of family dynamics is brilliant and resonates

The story explores the frustrations of having a reasonably bright but completely puzzling child - one with enough differences to cause concern - but the perception is not shared by his father, which naturally leads the mother to question her own observations.

In a series of letters to her husband, the description of life with her family is laid bare - leading the reader through a series of events which collectively point to disaster. The problems appears to be ones which the family can not solve because they are not so serious that they could be attributed to a major defect in the son.

Apart from the background of the mother who, in this book, is extremely literate and her 'tone', initially, somewhat condescending, the reader soon realizes that this 'tone' is perhaps more defensive than otherwise. This tale could (and does) occur in far too many families - perhaps it may save some.

An amazing story which is entirely plausible.

Excellent

Any additional comments?

Lionel Shriver's word choices were unique and communicative. This story is tragic and moving and beautifully written. I was pleased with how the story came together at the end. Well done.

slow start but worth it!

I almost sent the audiobook back as the book was so slow to get going. After the 3th or 5th chapter I couldn't stop listening! Deep & Dark!

One of my faves

What did you love best about We Need to Talk About Kevin?

This story just continues to build on itself and on the characters. In the beginning I started off not feeling sure because it was more about how the couple met and their early life but this background is vitally important to the story overall. By the end of the book I literally could not stop listening, and when it was over...I wish there was more to listen to

Intense

Where does We Need to Talk About Kevin rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is definitely in the top 3. The story isn't action packed, so if that's what you are into, you won't find it here. But you will be reeling from start to finish. A LOT happens and it's a lot to take in. Excellently written and performed.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me gasp several times. It's somewhat shocking, but very timely and relevant to today's society. You find yourself completely engrossed in this woman's life.

Any additional comments?

If you're pregnant or about to have a kid...you might not want to listen to this.

Wow, a must read.

Glad I stuck with this one. I think everyone should read this; very important and unfortunately very timely. Mental health issues can be so complicated and ignored and we are all responsible as part of the human “family” to be more vigilant and more educated of “red flags”. This book is a story of an unfortunate family written mostly by the way of letters, but no less interesting. It really held my interest.

Worst Narrator

What disappointed you about We Need to Talk About Kevin?

This is a beautifully written, haunting story, but the narrator ruins it. She does not fit the character at all. As I listened to the book, I kept having to imagine the words in someone else's voice. In the middle, I abandoned it altogether and borrowed a copy of the book from a friend to finish it on paper. A big disappointment overall.

Amazing narrative skills.

Both the author and the narrator bring an amazing and chilling performance. I was totally gripped by the narrative style.

Very Haunting

I downloaded this book because it was on sale and I wanted something to listen to. I wasn't prepared for how sad the narrative actually was. In a society where we are quick to blame the parents for the unwarranted violence of teenagers and young adults, this book did an excellent job of giving insight into the fallout a mother faces after her troubled son commits a terrible tragedy. Overall, the book was a bit hard to get into but once I started to understand the characters, I found this to be a very satisfying selection.

The audio is 10x better than the book.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. But not the book version. It is too wordy, w/ no inflections of emotion.

What other book might you compare We Need to Talk About Kevin to and why?

Maybe

What about Coleen Marlo’s performance did you like?

Even-toned, but w/ great voice inflection.
I just listened to a different book on CD and the narrator blasted half the time and spoke in a whimper the rest of it.
This is an easy listen.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The part that affected me was one line,

Any additional comments?

Have not seen the movie.
I re-listened to this about two months ago, having listened to it about 5 years ago.
You will not forget this one.
It gives me chills.
Only snakes give me chills.