Room
by Emma Donoghue
by Emma DonoghuePublisher: Hachette Book Group
Source: Publisher for Review
Rating: 4.5/5
Summary from the Publisher:
Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.
Review:
It's been a while since I've read a book that I've felt was truly original, but Room is unlike anything I have ever read before. There were a couple of instances where I thought the plot was a little weak, but in order to move the story forward, I think this was necessary. This didn't impact my overall enjoyment of the book, but was a little distracting to me at the time.
Room is told completely from Jack's point of view. His five-year-old voice took me a little while to get used to, but once I did, I loved it. Through Jack's eyes I could easily see how confusing the world could be. His Ma did a wonderful job of explaining things to him, but some things just need to be seen and experienced to be fully understood.
I was completely invested in Room while I was reading, but it's one of those books I can't stop thinking about now that it's over. The story was left open ended, not in an unfinished way, but rather it left me wanting more. Room has been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize. 4.5 stars, very good+
9 comments:
I knew right away that I needed to read this book but I wanted to wait until my library got it in. I finally now got my reserve notice so I will be off to pick it up.
Glad you enjoyed this one as well Melissa. Great review.
Thank you for a wonderful review. Am hesitant about reading this book as I know the sad part of it will linger with me for ages.
I just won this book from Frances, so I am totally excited about reading it. I love original. You don't see enough of that.
I agree this book was so creative and that really made it such a great read!
I loved this book more than I can say, though I too had some trouble adjusting to Jack's voice in the beginning. I so hope that it takes the award, because it really is such an original and stunning story. Wonderful review, Dar! I am so glad you loved it too!
Tried it, and didn't like it at all. Does it take that long to get into it? Should I try again?
I've heard that the young narrator really works. That's the part that makes me wary of reading it, but I've heard so many good things about this book I'll give it a try at some point. I'm kinda upset for passing on it at BEA. Thanks for the review!
I read this book last year and loved it. I am glad you enjoyed it. It took me a while to get into but in the end I was glad I stuck it out.
Post a Comment