We Need To Talk About Kevin

[anthony]

Dead Link Removed

Dead Link Removed

Eva never really wanted to be a mother; certainly not the mother of the unlovable boy who murdered seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker and a teacher who tried to befriend him. 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 absent husband, Franklyn. 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.

 

[KP the nut]

I've downloaded it and will begin reading it tomorrow.

 

[Girl3]

Brutal read. The movie was also hard to watch. It felt too real, like a biography, not fiction. While I liked the book better, I thought they did a great job with the movie.

 

[anthony]

Brutal in what way? I downloaded it the other day, just need to get some other things finished before I start reading it.

 

[Girl3]

Early on, you hate the mother - even though it is the child being a terror, the mother is a very unsympathetic character. The relationship between her and the boy is barren. The animosity between the two is palpable - but mothers aren't ever supposed to feel that way about their children so it gave me nightmares. And the boy never tries, even after he is of an age to have some self control and insight, he never tries. It sucked the life out of me - but I couldn't put it down. The ending is both surprising and not surprising, and quite awfully ironic.

Of course - I'm sure I am projecting my own childhood onto the whole thing. Having a mother that doesn't like you, that you as a child don't suit - it was like putting on a pair of shoes that you've worn forever but they still pinch terribly.

 

[Abstract]

I tried to watch the film but stopped at a point as I found it too disturbing. I have considered trying to read the book. I find the concepts that it explores extremely interesting. Essentially it is an investigation of the nurture and nature debate. I find both aspects of these chilling in the way they are represented in story. It's all the subtle and not so subtle interactions between mother and child and child and everyone else.

Don't look around too much as there is a twist to the story.

 

[KP the nut]

Okay, I've started reading and I'm not enjoying it but I will stick with it.

I don't like the way it is written, in letters to Franklin. Just me I guess, others may think differently. It is a tough subject.

I do like the way the mother is the focus of the town rage. I'd never thought of that before when you see these attacks on TV.

 

[anthony]

Yer, going to start reading this today as well.

 

[Abstract]

I actually think the fathers role in the child's upbringing is also very important and interesting. He forms an important part of the dynamic. As do all parents I guess.

KP, I think there are lots of things it makes us consider.

 

[KP the nut]

I actually think the fathers role in the child's upbringing is also very important and interesting

I'm not at that part yet. Mom is still debating if to have a child.

 

[anthony]

Read it... and think it sucks. As I read along, I actually remember watching the movie for this when it came out, remembering it was based on a true story. Whilst the act is heinous, and their relationship toxic, I just didn't really enjoy it. Not my type of book.

 

[KP the nut]

Still plodding through here - I'm nothing if not persistent