Parenthood and its downsides
Eva quickly realized that parenthood was more difficult than she anticipated. Her pregnancy taught her that her own body didn’t belong to her anymore. It was supposed to serve the child and his needs. She tried to be a dutiful mother, but she failed to become a loving mother for Kevin. Could one imagine how unbearably challenging it was for her to give up on her career in order to save her family? This novel portrayed that side of parenthood which people didn’t like to discuss. Like any other phenomenon, parenthood has its downsides. It is important for people to talk about it, so that parents like Eva know that there is nothing wrong with it, so that instead of punishing themselves for lack of love for a child, they could calmly discuss it with their partners. Honesty is the best strategy in this case.
Mass murderers and their motives
Although Kevin is the fictional character, everyone who reads newspapers, watches TV or used the Internet knows that the cases when teenagers commit mass murders are numerous. What is more frightening is that it happens more and more often. Some of the young killers do it because of bullying, physiological problems or other twisted motives, but one can hardly argue with the fact that our culture of violence doesn’t help to improve the situation. This novel is a loud shout out to all parents, “please, be attentive!” Listen to your child, talk to him or her, don’t underestimate his or her problems and don’t lie to yourself. If one sees that his or her child behaves strangely, that he or she is abnormally cruel, that is the reason to consult specialists.
The ability to forgive
This story is not only about violence, but also about the ability to forgive. The mother of one of Kevin’s victims summons enough strength to forgive both Eva and Kevin, to continue her life. Unlike many other parents, she doesn’t let herself drown in hatred. The ability to forgive is a gift. Something prompts us that this woman is going to be alright. Of course, it is impossible to forget the pain, but it is possible to break the chain of hate, for this world has enough of it.
