Two years ago Eva Khatchadourian's son, Kevin, murdered seven of his fellow high-school students, a cafeteria worker and a popular teacher. Now, in a series of letters to her absent husband, Eva recounts the story of how Kevin came to be Kevin.
Fearing that her own shortcomings may have shaped what her son has become, she confesses to a deep, long-standing ambivalence about both motherhood in general and Kevin in particular. How much is her fault? When did it all start to go wrong?
Or was it, in fact, ever 'right' at all?
We need to talk about Kevin
This book is memorable and emotionally challenging. A brilliantly written novel detailing a woman's inner suspicion that her son is not just like every other boy. His difficult temperament and maliciousness appear to be innate. Her doubts unfold from the moment he is born and are then suddenly realized in his teen years. Her husband doesn't understand her concerns and is manipulated by their son, therefore leading to a split in the marriage. The only person who sees this boy for who he truly is yet still stands by him is his mother, and he knows this. An unforgettable and important novel for readers who like to be challenged. As reviewed by 08mh
Toombul, 28/07/2014
