You really do need to read about Kevin (We Need to Talk About Kevin - Lionel Shriver)

Member Name: mrbusy62

Product:	We Need to Talk About Kevin - Lionel Shriver
Date:	11/09/09 (27 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Told from a mother's perspective

Disadvantages: Slow to begin with

'We Need To Talk About Kevin' is one of those books that the bookworms at my work have been talking about for ever and a day. What caught my attention was the subject matter. The story appealed to because of the various high school atrocities that have happened across the world and seem ever more present in the last 10 - 15 years.

I purchased a bargain copy of the book for about £5 and started with a lot of enthusiasm. And then it was stop....start....stop....start. The first 100 pages or so were heavy going, for me at least. But they grip you in an unusual way. There are very frank and upfront moments coupled with very touching moments that are somehow funny in their own way. I refer here to the eggs in the super market incident. I found it funny, but felt guilty for doing so.

The book is written purely as one woman writing letters to her husband. She is telling about why she blames herself for her son's, Kevin's, misdemeanours. She picks apart her life that has already been trashed by local gossip and opens her heart in a way she obviously could not before.

Oddly, we never get a response to these letters. Let's just say I drew my own conclusions about each person's involvement and these changed frequently.

For want of not wanting to give too much away this book touches a raw nerve. If you are not a fan of heavier reads the first 100 pages are tough going. It took me three months to read and I know of several who gave up before I did. What I will say is that the final few chapters make up for a slow start.

All in the story is very poignant in a time when events like these unfold in real life. It shows the heartache that must surely only scratch the surface of emotions that a mother must feel. And here's the rub. I still find myself recalling moments. And I read it about six months ago. This book sticks with you and makes no excuses. I don't normally do prize winning novels but this one was well worth the effort.

The ending may not come as a shock to you, I had it sussed about 75 pages before the end but t makes it no less powerful and when you get to the end it is a very rewarding read.

Summary: A compelling read, if disturbing at times.