We gathered at Dana's new place at Clapham Junction to discuss We Need to Talk About Kevin. We had a great turn out - Dana, Lou, Sar, Chris, Beckie Campbell, Tash (Sar's friend) and I - sadly, none of Dana's much-talked-up-hot flat mates, but given the silliness which usually comes with Book Club, this probably wasn't a bad thing!
After more cheese, crackers, pizza and dough balls (who knew they'd be so controversial!!) than was probably necessary, we gathered in the Story Room (not sure who decided to christen it as such, but the name seemed to stick?) to discuss the book.
I read this book about 3 years ago after hearing Lionel Shriver interviewed. I loved this book. No, that would make me a huge psycho. We al agreed that this isn't a book you "love" - but I was deeply affected by this book. Of course the story was an amazingly powerful one, but for me what struck me th most was the power of the words and the storytelling - I found it amazing how involved I could become with words on the page - how I couldn't be so physically revolted, totally captivated and emotionally absorbed by words on the page.
At first the length of the book and the unpleasantness of the topic it deals with - which although not completely clears seems to loom in you consciousness as you are reading - made it hard going. But I found myself quickly wrapped in the characters and the story - I think Shriver's writing is that perfect mix of easy-read without being boring, that the words race past you and the book suddenly has taken over you so that you are reading as you walk from the bus stop to work.
Eva's letters - which I felt COULD have been a trying-hard-to-be-clever tool worked so well and provided and intriguing and emotional insight into the story through her eyes.
There are so many topics to discuss with this book - I am looking forward to hearing what Sydney talked about... the story itself is so shocking and leaves nothing to the imagination, Kevin - nature vs nurture, was Eva's reluctance to become a mother a factor in his behaviour, why was Franklin so blinkered in his view of Kevin, why was Eva spared in the massacre, was Kevin a good person? Or was he just a plain psycho? ... why? How? How do we stop this happening again in our society? As sadly it seems to be becoming the case more and more. How does Eva move forward from here? is there the potential for Kevin to be rehabilitated? Or will he always be a danger to society?
A fantastic book Weens - a great choice, and I look forward to "talking about Kevin" with you soon.
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