Did you read ‘We Need to Talk about Kevin?’ Yes this was the question asked in book clubs right through 2003, 2004 and even 2005. The controversy about the book was not about the story-many have focused on the rampage of school massacres that have swept the States. However, this book was told through the eyes of the killer’s mother (if you haven’t read it, it is worth all the hype).

Now the author Lionel Shriver is back on the book scene and the question that has followed all the other novels she has written since her 2003 hit are the same, how does the ‘new one’ compare?

Her ‘new one’ called ‘Big Brother’ was released in hardback last year, but when the paperback fell on our desk recently, we had to pick it up. Thankfully, it is nothing like the Channel 4 nonsense. In fact, once again Shriver is brave enough to face a controversial issue-the obesity epidemic.

The book tells the story of Pandora who has always looked up to her Edison although she was always the quieter shy type. However, when Edison, her larger than life Jazz musician brother ends up in her suburban quiet life, she is quiet surprised, not least because he is quite literally larger than life having gained hundreds of pounds. In fact, she calls him ‘the creature that has swallowed Edison.’

It’s not like Pandora isn’t going through a difficult time as it is, especially in her marriage to Fletcher and the presence of Edison’s appalling diet and the fact that he monopolises every conversation just adds to the strife. So much so that Fletcher offers Pandora an ultimatum-it’s him or her brother. When she chooses her brother, what follows is a journey where Edison goes from lows of crying with hunger pain to weight loss highs.

Shriver doesn’t hold back on the character’s criticism of obesity so be aware if you’re sensitive about the subject. However, it is an issue that is affecting people everywhere, not just in the States and she certainly presents an interesting perspective especially because the lines of fact and fiction become a bit blurred. The author’s own brother Greg died of obesity related issues. The book is worth picking up, and it’s easy to read but it’s not really a feel-good novel. It’s deep, somewhat unsettling but definitely a story that will stay with you.