by Emma DonoghuePublished by: Little, Brown & Company
Published on: September 2010
Page Count: 321
Genre: Fiction, Literature
My Reading Format: Kindle
Available Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Note: This novel depicts life as a child to a mother held as a sex slave. It may not be for everyone.
My Review
I read Room in conjunction with Michelle from My Books. My Life *ahem* last year. We’ve said off and on that we really must get together to discuss it on and off since then. There were the holidays and other things that got in the way. Now it’s coming on three months later. I can take it no more. I’ve got to acknowledge that I’ve read it and mark it off my “to review” list.
As I’m sure you already know, Room is a novel about Jack and his Ma. This isn’t just any story about a mother and her child or a son and his mother. Jack was born in the confined space of one room because his father kidnapped and held his mother as a sex slave.
Although enjoy is an odd word to use in conjunction with this story, I did so to the extent it was possible. It was interesting to see how human animals can adapt to some of the most horrendous living conditions. How a mother can do what she can to make their situation tolerable to a young, innocent victim. How getting what you want and what you truly need and deserve come at a cost all of their own.
Using a young child as a narrator is a tricky task. There have been those who found Jack’s voice too mature for his age. It did take a while for me to get fully immersed in his world, this didn’t bother me. He never saw another human being other than his mother and he was the only loving company his mother had. He was bound to be out of the ordinary in so many ways.
Room had moments of disgust, suspense, joy, and deep sorrow. I am very glad I read it, but it falls into the same category for me as Saving Private Ryan. I don’t think I’ll ever want to relive the experience again. It’s a testament to the adaptability of children. While what a child can endure is incredible, the fact that adults conceive of such horrific ways to test their resilience is a very sad thing.
I completely agree, I’m not sure I’d want to read it again. But I thought it was brilliant. It seems that “Room” is yesterdays “The Help”…everyone is reading it, and for good reason.
I agree with both of you! But also, I listened to it on audio, and it was read with a little boy’s voice, which I think not only made it better but also made it have even more impact!
I had so many issues with this book. I love the premise but the entire second half felt like a sell-out to me. It was fragmented and rushed. BUT, it makes a great discussion book. So many topics to discuss. It will be interesting what my book club thinks of it when they read it later this year.
Thanks everyone. It’s definitely a book that can be talked about for a long time to come.
I think this would definitely be enhanced by audio. I was so engrossed in it that I really have no memory of how I read, although I know it was on my Kindle.
It took me a little while to get used to Jack’s voice, but once I did, I was blown away. The fact that the story could have been plucked from the headlines made it all the more disturbing to me.
The whole reason I have avoided the book is because of the subject matter. I’ve heard from many people that it is a very good book though.
I applaud you for actually reviewing this. When I get really far behind I tend to just not bother… Usually because I am WAY behind and staring at all the unreviewed books stresses me out…
Terrific review, Jennifer! While I know this book would be far too upsetting for me because of its subject matter, I’ve enjoyed reading what others have had to say.
Have a nice weekend!
Your response to this one makes me think of mine to “We Need To Talk About Kevin.” I could never read that book again and I don’t think I’d use the word “like” to describe my experience with it. But that doesn’t make them great books or books that you’re glad you read.
I just can’t bring myself to read this book. I’ve heard nothing but fantastic reviews but I know it’s going to be a rough one. I know I will get to it at some point, just not now.
I won this in a book giveaway and it took me quite a while to continue the read. It is very sad but what is most important it shows the human spirit of survival and to what extent mothers will go to protect their children.
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