We Need to Talk About Kevin

A Novel

By: Lionel Shriver

Narrated by: Coleen Marlo

Length: 16 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Eva never really wanted to be a mother - and certainly not the mother of a boy who ends up murdering seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker, and a much-adored teacher who tried to befriend him, all two days before his 16th birthday. Now, two years later, it is time for her to come to terms with marriage, career, family, parenthood, and Kevin’s horrific rampage, in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her estranged husband, Franklin. Uneasy with the sacrifices and social demotion of motherhood from the start, Eva fears that her alarming dislike for her own son may be responsible for driving him so nihilistically off the rails.

©2003 Lionel Shriver (P)2012 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

“Shriver handles this material, with its potential for cheap sentiment and soap opera plot, with rare skill and sense.” ( Newark Star Ledger)

“A slow, magnetic descent into hell that is as fascinating as it is disturbing.” ( Cleveland Plain Dealer)

“Powerful [and] harrowing.” ( Entertainment Weekly)

Could not put it down

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, this book was the most captivating I have listened to on Audble. So many twists and turns that I was finding myself wanting to listen for just ten more minutes each time.

What other book might you compare We Need to Talk About Kevin to and why?

This book is definitely a thriller- I would compare it to House of Sand and Fog. You know the approximate ending but not how you get there.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where Eva admits how she finally got Kevin to start using the toilet. I can feel her desperation and horror at her own behavior.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and no, I always wanted to listen to a little more. But on the other hand, there are so many scenes and revelations that I had to digest that sometime I just took a little time to think about the book before moving on.

amazing

What made the experience of listening to We Need to Talk About Kevin the most enjoyable?

what an interesting perspective this story is written from - so different than the other books I've read lately. Great character development and you really have feelings towards the characters..good and bad.

Any additional comments?

definite must read. I cant wait to get in my car each day to hear a little more!

Intense, thought provoking novel

I've never felt compelled to write a review before this book. This book lead me to grapple with a lot of difficult questions because of its thought provoking nature. The story deals with the complexity of family relationships and the ways in which one individual's behavior can impact so many lives. I found the book extremely interesting, never dull, and very intense. The author develops the characters well considering that the entire story is told from one person (the narrator's) perspective. The subject matter is timely and pertinent. I felt this was an excellent book for a book club reading because of the many difficult questions it leaves the reader with. Although the story is painful and tragic, you may also consider it redemptive, depending on your perspective. I highly recommend this book.

Great Audio Book!

Would you listen to We Need to Talk About Kevin again? Why?

I would not want to listen to this book again, but only because it is an incredibly sad and disturbing book. With that said, I do not regret the purchase! I recommend listening to the book and then following up by watching the film starring Tilda Swinton. The side-by-side reveals a great deal about the American culture of violence. I tore through this audio book and wanted to talk about it with everyone I know.

What other book might you compare We Need to Talk About Kevin to and why?

This book was similar to Gone Girl. It's a thriller that relies heavily on the differing points of views of the main characters. Like with Gone Girl, the reader has to continuously question what is real and who is telling the truth.

Who was the most memorable character of We Need to Talk About Kevin and why?

The entire story is told from the mother's point of view. She is not a typically endearing protagonist. I think the voice performance was truly fantastic. I felt deeply connected to the character throughout the audiobook.

Slowly Pulls You In

Where does We Need to Talk About Kevin rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have only just started listening to audiobooks, but I found this one to be very well done although the performance was a little inconsistent.

What did you like best about this story?

I found the narrator (Eva) to be a really compelling character. I was put off by her at times, but gradually drawn in by her. She appears to be cold and unattached but this also gives her the ability to have a kind of clear-eyed view of her son that no one else does. As the book goes on, you also find out why she often sounds so unattached -- she has to be.

What does Coleen Marlo bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I thought she did a fantastic job of evoking Eva's voice. It really brought her alive as a character.

If you could rename We Need to Talk About Kevin, what would you call it?

We Need to Talk About Kevin's Mother

Any additional comments?

While I think the performer generally did a great job, there were time when she was voicing the character of Kevin that she slid into a southern accent.. not a deep South drawl but a definitely a bit of twang. I found that odd for a character who is born in NYC and grows up in Rockland County, NY. I don't remember any characterization of Kevan as affecting a southern accent and the use of the accent wasn't consistent. I found it distracting during longer blocks of Kevin's speech.

Spellbinding

Captivating. But you may want to think twice about listening to close to bedtime. The narration is also wonderful.

So Intense! We Need to Talk About Kevin!!!

Loved this book! I couldn't put it down and finished in 2 days! I will say, the movie is incredibly disappointing compared to the elaborate details in the book.

after 10 years - my first review

This is a most unusually written book! It starts slowly, and builds in intrigue! The topic is timely, and throughout, gives just occasional hints to tempt the listener to continue. The perspective is that of the mother's - and I was amazed to learn that the author is a man. Just enough 'bait' to keep you listening at the first - and then BAM! some horrific hints that made me keep listening after I got out of the car and into the house - something I rarely do! Don't miss this one! It's rarely that I do not guess the outcome of a tale early in the reading - this one --- I was into the last fourth of the reading that I began to even guess the outcome! A haunting tale to be sure. Full of the emotional struggles of parenthood, relationships and guilt. Don't miss this one!

can a scary book be great?

this is an interesting perspective to the dreadful acts carried out by children of school shootings.

Excellent... 5 stars!

Eloquently written, characters are very developed, topic (school violence) is sensitive but demands to be recognized and the view of a parent of the murderer... brilliantly formed.

Sure anyone can find flaws, but the is no denying that this book took me through a gripping journey. Definitely worth the credit!