"We Need to Talk About Kevin" is a novel by Lionel Shriver that explores the complex relationship between a mother, Eva, and her son, Kevin. The story is told through a series of letters Eva writes to her estranged husband, reflecting on Kevin's troubling behavior from infancy to adolescence. The narrative culminates in a tragic school shooting committed by Kevin, raising questions about nature versus nurture and parental responsibility. The book delves into themes of guilt, isolation, and the challenges of motherhood, prompting readers to consider the impact of upbringing on a child's development.