We Need to Talk About Kevin

I've read this chilling fictional account of a "school massacre", We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver. I had never intended to read this book because of the subject matter but it was set as our next Crime Club book. The story is told in the form of letters written by the murderer's mother, Eva, to her husband, Franklin. We learn about Eva and Franklin's life pre-Kevin, then the difficulties they have with Kevin as he grows up. Eva feels there is something "not quite normal" about Kevin but Franklin refuses to see his faults. Kevin's behaviour towards his family and his school are examined and focus on some incidents. As we near the end of the book, the suspense is heightened, even though we know some of what is to come. This psychological thriller reaches a terrible climax that haunts the reader for some time. Brilliant but disturbing! 5/5