Lionel Shriver is the author of the striking novel We Need to Talk About Kevin. Her work often explores difficult family dynamics and societal issues with a sharp, unflinching style.
We need to talk about Kevin
We need to talk about Kevin
Synopsis
Eva never wanted to be a mother, but she is. Her son, Kevin, is responsible for a horrific school massacre. Now, two years later, Eva confronts her past and her complex relationship with her son through letters to her estranged husband. She grapples with her own feelings about motherhood and whether her dislike for Kevin contributed to his actions.
Vibe
Genres
Characters
Eva KhatchadourianProtagonist
Kevin KhatchadourianAntagonist
Franklyn KhatchadourianSupporting
Franklin KhatchadourianSupporting
Subjects
Places
Edition
No cover available
We Need to Talk about KevinUnknown, 2011
485 pages
Perennial / Harper-collinsISBN: 97818466880655 editions available
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Frequently asked questions
Is there a movie adaptation of We Need to Talk About Kevin?
A film adaptation of the novel was released in 2011, starring Tilda Swinton as Eva and Ezra Miller as Kevin. It received critical acclaim, particularly for Swinton's performance.
What is the narrative structure of We Need to Talk About Kevin?
The novel is structured as a series of letters written by Eva to her estranged husband, Franklin. This epistolary format provides a deeply personal and retrospective account of their family life and the events leading up to the tragedy.
Does We Need to Talk About Kevin explore the nature vs. nurture debate?
The book delves deeply into the question of whether Kevin's actions were predetermined by his inherent nature or influenced by his upbringing and his mother's complex feelings towards him. It offers a nuanced exploration of parental responsibility and the origins of evil.