Unsettling but good!

This is one of the most disturbing but engrossing audio books I've listened to and I had to constantly remind myself that this was actually a work of fiction!



I'll be honest, I was quite reticent about getting this after all the reviews I'd read/heard as there seemed to be 2 distinct camps who either loved it or hated it. I haven't watched the movie that is based on the book so after a lot of trepidation I bought the Audible version and listened to it whilst on holiday. All I can say is WOW,WOW,WOW! I felt a range of emotions whilst reading it, pity, sorrow, anger, disbelief etc. for all of the main characters Eva, Franklin and Kevin who to all intents and purposes was the most awful child ever born - I won't give it away - listen/read the book and come to your own conclusions.



Really good read. You are either going to love it or hate it - I'm in the love it camp!

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3 people found this helpful

Very disturbing but brilliant

This is a brilliant story. I had seen the film adaptation before I bought the audiobook and it was quite excellent but of course the book explains so much more! The writer made me feel so deeply for this desperate woman. It's horrible to realize how a very disturbed and dangerous person like Kevin might not necessarily come from a terrible set of parents and in this way almost any mother's son can turn into such a scary character. Kevin is the type of character that's not usually meant to be understood much but the account of his own desperation to impress his mother was painful in a way that as I realized lead me to some kind of understanding of the internal torture he had been going through the whole time. The conclusion is brilliant too. It's amazing that the writer had actually managed to make the ending of these terrible events beautiful.

The bonus interview with the writer was especially very helpful in shedding light on nuances I hadn't even picked up.

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1 person found this helpful

Thrilling

No need to read if you've seen the film, only a few extra bits. Great story though

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Intriguing

Dark subject matter and characters that are hard to warm to but quite gripping, with some interesting twists and turns along the way. Not a fun read but certainly makes you think.

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Unforgettable

Gripping from the outset. I listened to it all in one day. The narrator sounded like the voice of the author and was very relatable. It struck so many chords with me , both as a mother and as a teacher of teenage children. Chilling but heart-warming by turns.

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A fascinating book

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

Yes, one of my favorite books, bravely written and achingly sad

What was one of the most memorable moments of We Need to Talk About Kevin?

Finding out at the end (no spoiler)

Which character – as performed by Lorelei King – was your favourite?

The main character, it is really all about her

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me think, nature or nuture? who hated who?

Any additional comments?

The book is fantastic (film was rubbish) as a woman I found it fascinating look into motherhood

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A guide to parenting you'll never forget

Riveting, powerful, insightful &, at times, disturbing are the words that sum this book up for me. If you've ever judged someone on their parenting skills then this book will be an eye opener. Excellent story ands brilliantly written.

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Brilliant from beginning to end

I loved this story, I actually thought it was a true story.It was very cleverly written and told.

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Gripping story - but slightly surprising take

This is a strong gripping story. It is told from the viewpoint of the perpetrators mother. She is an intelligent, articulate woman - maybe rather like the author - and so her story is a rather intellectual approach. However this analytical approach leaves something slightly unsatisfying about the tale. Despite significant doubts about her sons emotional well being, Eva never seems to have consulted a doctor about his condition. She recognises she had post natal depression but did not pursue therapy. Surely both unusual for a strong intelligent woman in the US?
Throughout the book we are in her head, and so we never actually get inside Kevin's head. What we want to know is : what was he thinking! And we never find out. Maybe that is a more honest approach, but I had expected "the answer" as to what motivates a mass murderer...and didn't find it. All the same I found the book very compelling and thought provoking. Highly recommended and well told.

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thoroughly engaging

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

Perhaps I wouldn't listen to it again (since I don't often re-read books). But I would definitely suggest people to read/listen to it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of We Need to Talk About Kevin?

The whole story is very memorable.

Have you listened to any of Lorelei King’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Haven't listened to any other King's performances, but this was very pleasing to the ear.

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

Definitely. I was always waiting for the moment I would have time to listen to it!

Any additional comments?

This book has convinced me that audible books can be great. Before I could never finish one, since my mind would always slip away and I would miss have of what is said. But this was so engaging my mind wouldn't wander off.

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