About that Kevin...

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I honestly think this is one of the most unsettling, disturbing, baffling, yet intriguing books I have ever read.
Written as a series of letters offering a creepy sense of realism, this book stirs strong and complicated feelings. It does not feel right to call this book enjoyable, but it is certainly a page turner for the feelings of bewilderment it causes. In my reading, the profound disklike I felt for Kevin and his parents constantly wavered back and forth. Having just completed it, I am still trying to wrap my mind around it. It raises lots of questions about the "good" and "evil" in humanity, but provides no answers. Why did Kevin turn out the way he did? Who is to blame? Was he born that way? Is it his mother's fault? Is it his father's fault? Is it both of his parents' faults even though they both tried to do everything "right"? Or is there no one to blame but Kevin, a kid who needs to take responsibility for his own actions? Or was it the societal influences all around him? Though this book is a decade old, its relevance for today's society is startling, particularly when we are plagued with so many troubled youth. We all want to know why? Yet, that's an impossible question with no clear answer.

In some ways, this book reminds me of "The Virgin Suicides" for its eeriness and "Gone Girl" for its unlikeable characters. I found it a bit slow in the beginning, but it picked up speed, creating a feeling of impending doom as it went along, making it impossible to turn away from the disaster you know is about to strike...
It's not for anyone looking for an easy and fun read. But if you are looking for something mysterious, creepy, and thought-provoking, this one will definitely give you something to talk about.



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