W: We need to talk about Kevin (2022 A-Z)
We need to talk about Kevin
“Kayla,” she says, I sense the tension before she even speaks, “there’s been a shooting. At the school.”
My worst nightmare comes true. I feel a chill in my bones. Did Lucas get hit?
“Any news about …?” I hesitate, scared.
“Just that they have the shooter in custody,” she replies.
I jump at the shrill ring of the phone, answering it with trembling fingers.
“Mrs. Donaldsen? Emerson PD. I need you to come in. Stat.”
“Is … is Lucas ok?”
“We have him in custody.”
It takes me a minute to realize I was wrong about my worst nightmare.
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We need to talk about Kevin, by Lionel Shriver is a masterpiece. Just before his sixteenth birthday, Kevin kills 7 fellow students, a cafeteria worker, and a teacher. How does a mother deal with something like that? From questioning her own ambivalence about having a child, her upbringing and the child’s inherent devilish thought process (recollect the kid from Omen) which the father refuses to acknowledge, this book is smack in the middle of the ‘nature versus nurture’ debate. The actual event still manages to shock you even though you knew it was coming. If you’re a non-reader, or someone who’s just starting to read, watch the movie instead. The book is heavy – on the language, on the emotion, on the girth. IF YOU’RE A READER, DO NOT LET THIS ONE GO. It’s literally goosebumps.
Bravo! You really nailed the essence of a well-written drabble in this micro-tale! The book you recommended sounds like a great read. I’m both anxious and eager to read it.
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I’m visiting from April A to Z roadtrip. What a twist for the mom to think her son had been hurt to learn that he was the one hurting others.
Excellent writing with the unexpected ending . It has definitely piqued my interest in reading the book .
Omg I really git goosebumps with the flash fiction. Will add the book to my TBR.
Dropping by from https://momandideas.com via A-Z challenge.
I figured that was coming from looking at the book cover. 100 words is just about as long as I’m going to read a thriller. Those thoughts make pictures that stay in my mind and oh no, I don’t want that!
Man! That gave goosebumps.. unexpected end.. nice one D…
Unexpected end initially.
After reading the story I felt the picture of the book was a give away
Actually, even the blurb of the book gives it away. Initially, it feels like a spoiler. But then as you read the book and reach the end, you realize there is a lot more to it.
It is on my to read list on good reads from long – Somehow for same reason – it can be heavy – I didnt pick up. AS I kick started reading again, I shall try this!
Omg I have to read this
Great! The ending was really good