We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver ****

This is a disturbing book but a fascinating read. It is structured in a unique collection of the character Eva’s written communication to her husband. Eva, the mother of Kevin, of the title recollects her memories of her life until a horrific event on “Thursday” the day before Kevin’s fifteen birthdays. The author tantalizes the reader with an early quote, “So many stories are determined before they start”. This foreshadows the primary question in the book. On completing the novel, the reader is haunted with an inevitable question as to whether the boy’s behaviour was a result of his upbringing or was there something innately inherent in his genetic make-up that produced a teen-age sociopath who murders 11 people.

The quote: “One of our consuming diversions as we age is to recite, not only to others but ourselves, our own story”, helps to explain the unique format of the book which is almost like a diary being shared with her husband, from whom there is never a response.

The book unfolds in chronological sequence giving Eva’s background, her career, her marriage, the birth of her son and daughter later in her life. The details of her struggle with motherhood that is greatly compromised by the nature, character and behaviour of her infant son. As he matures the disconcerting behaviours continue and get more extreme. The bewildered mother is constantly questioning her ability to cope and her suitability for motherhood.

Extremely well written the book is totally provocative. In the PS at the end of the book the insights and interviews with the author are an added bonus!

...but, real love shares more in common with hatred and rage than it does with geniality or politeness.