We Need to Talk About Kevin, a fictional novel written in 2003 written by Lionel Shriver, is about a teen psychopathic killer named Kevin who commits a fictional school massacre. The story is delivered from the perspective of Kevin's mother, Eva, in the form of letters to her deceased husband. This novel was widely acclaimed and won the Orange Prize, a UK prize for female authors in 2005. The series of letters chronicles Eva's attempts to make sense of her son's massacre, along with her final meeting with Kevin before he is sent to a maximum security prison.
The novel explores the dissolution of American optimism and "high-hopes-crushed" through the lens of Eva's awkwardness and resentment about motherhood. Eva's ambivalence contrasts with her husband Franklin's unwavering and blind optimism.
In 2011, the book was adapted into a film directed by Lynne Ramsay. The role of Eva Khatchadourian was played by Tilda Swinton, Ezra Miller played the title role of Kevin, and John C. Reily played the role of Kevin's father. The movie was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and premiered at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.
