Back to winners
Cover of We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

We Need to Talk About Kevin

by Lionel Shriver

Approximately 468 pages

This novel offers a deep exploration of the complexities of motherhood and the nature of evil.

Difficulty

Challenging

Pace

Measured

Mood

introspective, unsettling

Book club

High

Find in a library

Is this book for you?

Read this if you enjoy

  • complex character studies
  • you appreciate dark themes
  • you like psychological depth

Consider another book if

  • you prefer light-hearted narratives
  • you are sensitive to themes of violence
  • you dislike epistolary formats

What it is about

"We Need to Talk About Kevin" is a novel presented as a series of letters written by Eva, a mother reflecting on her relationship with her son. The story explores the complexities of motherhood and the challenges Eva faces in raising Kevin, who exhibits troubling behavior from a young age. Eva grapples with her own feelings of inadequacy and ambivalence towards motherhood.

The narrative delves into Kevin's increasingly violent tendencies as he grows up. Eva's letters reveal her struggle to connect with Kevin and understand his motives. The novel examines themes of nature versus nurture and the impact of parental influence.

As Kevin reaches adolescence, his actions lead to a tragic event that changes their lives forever. Eva's correspondence reflects her isolation and the societal judgment she faces. The story raises questions about guilt, responsibility, and the limits of parental control.

Ultimately, it presents a haunting exploration of familial bonds and the darker aspects of human nature.

Award recognition

2005 winner

Women's Prize for Fiction

United Kingdom

View the winners list: Women's Prize

Reader comments

Loading comments…

Share your view

Comments are reviewed before publication. Links and HTML are not accepted.