Skip to main content

We need to talk about Kevin

This is a book about a high-school murder by a teenager.

Sounds familiar? Well, it's actually quite different.



'We need to talk about Kevin' is written in the form of letters from a wife to her absent husband. Their son is in jail serving time for killing seven of his classmates, a teacher and a cafeteria worker.

The book is from Eva's point of view starting from the time of his birth to the actual incident. Eva tries to find out what went wrong. Was it the fact that she never wanted to have Kevin in the first place? Or was he just born with a mean evil streak? Or did he somehow learn this? Or was this all just to get his mother's attention?

The book asks the biggest question --- the nature v/s nurture debate.

It also makes you question Kevin's motives. It makes you wonder about him --- he's such a dark character. Why did he do it? He was never bullied. Was he just born this way? It makes you question what is required of parents. It makes you question whether Eva's point of view is the actual truth.

It doesn't answer all of these.
However, it does have a sense of emptiness and leaves a void.

The book is good and well written. However, I would like to caution anyone who is feeling a bit low --- this book will make you depressed. I felt very empty and depressed after reading it.

On that note,

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Comments

Akansha Agrawal said…
Hmm... sounds like something people would connect with... esp with the scenario we are seeing right now!

I would probably not want to read it though...
Legal Alien said…
I saw this at angus & robertson and was thinking about buying it. Seems really good...

Also read

Cutting people off isn’t strength—It is a trauma response

Your ability to cut people off and self-isolate is not a skill you should be proud of—It is a trauma response Cutting people off and self-isolating may feel like a protective shield, but it is often rooted in unresolved or unhealed trauma and an inability to depend on others. While these behaviors seem like self-preservation, they end up reinforcing isolation and blocking meaningful connections. Confronting these patterns, seeking therapy, and nurturing supportive relationships can help break this unhealthy cycle. Plus, a simple act like planting a jasmine plant can symbolise the start of your journey towards emotional healing. Why do we cut people off and isolate? If you’re someone who prides themselves on “cutting people off” or keeping a tight circle, you might believe it’s a skill—a way to protect yourself from betrayal, hurt, or unnecessary drama. I get it. I’ve been there, too. But here’s the thing: this ability to isolate yourself is not as empowering as it may seem. In fact, i...

Why money can be spiritual—A blog-post on wealth, silence, and manifestation

First published on 23/03/2009 15:15 Why money is spiritual: a blog-post on wealth, silence, and manifestation Explore the connection between money and spirituality in this engaging blog-post. Discover how viewing money as energy can transform your financial journey. Learn the power of silent wealth-building and the art of creating a Vastu-aligned vision board. This article offers practical steps to align your financial goals with spiritual growth, leading to a more fulfilling and abundant life. Real stories, deep reflections, and spiritual money hacks that could change your relationship with abundance forever. Why is money considered a form of spiritual energy? You know that feeling when a crisp note touches your palm? It’s not just paper. It’s possibility. Money is energy. I’m talking about the very real energetic current that flows when you give, receive, invest, or even hoard it. Money isn’t moral. It’s not good or evil. It doesn’t have a conscience. We do. Money simply amplifi...

Heavy thoughts & depression?Lal Kitab remedies for healing and peace

Feeling mentally foggy, heavy or down? These powerful Lal Kitab remedies help you heal emotionally and find mental peace This isn't therapy or meds. It's ancient soul-soothing wisdom that works in 2025. Overthinking. Sadness. Brain fog. If your mind feels like it’s stuck in low power mode, Lal Kitab astrology might just surprise you. We explore quirky-yet-powerful remedies—from feeding birds to silent mornings—that align with your Moon sign to reset your emotional vibe. This isn’t magic; it’s ancient wisdom that works when your soul feels heavy.  Lal Kitab remedies that gently heal your emotional state might be what your mind has been begging for. Why are so many young people struggling with emotional heaviness today? Let’s be honest—our minds weren’t built for this much noise. Every day we scroll through endless feeds, absorb hundreds of “perfect lives,” try to make money, stay fit, heal generational trauma, respond to messages, and oh yes, save the planet. It’s no surpri...