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A review by imy_reads
Room by Emma Donoghue
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I picked this one up randomly one day off my shelf and right from the start I was gripped. The way the first sentence was written was absolutely perfect. It makes you want to read more. This book was absolutely amazing.
Based on the Fritzl case,this story is about a woman who gets kidnapped and locked away in a soundproof room. She bears a child and she has to raise raise him in the confines of that 11 foot by 11 foot room. She has to teach him that that is the world. She has to teach him, nurse him, train him and so much more all the while carrying that huge emotional burden of truth, the reality, that Room is really just a prison.This book is in its core a story of motherly love and determination.
The amount of respect and love I have for 'Ma' and all the other women who have had to go through(or are still going through) situations like this is enormous.My heart aches for them and I feel like now I have a bit more understanding of both the ugly side of life and the beautiful side.
A lot of people believe that because its told from a five year olds perspective, it's irritating and whiny, but to me, it added to the effect. And it wasn't that bad, especially considering that the mother has had to teach him everything herself. The innocence of Jack's voice narrating this creepy tale, all the while adds to effect. The reader is left with more insight and understanding to what's REALLY happening while also reading about how confused and ignorant Jack is.
You're left feeling so many emotions and made to think hard about life. It's raw, haunting, absorbing and truly a one of a kind book. It's originality is astounding and this tale is woven perfectly. A brilliant read from start to finish
Based on the Fritzl case,this story is about a woman who gets kidnapped and locked away in a soundproof room. She bears a child and she has to raise raise him in the confines of that 11 foot by 11 foot room. She has to teach him that that is the world. She has to teach him, nurse him, train him and so much more all the while carrying that huge emotional burden of truth, the reality, that Room is really just a prison.This book is in its core a story of motherly love and determination.
The amount of respect and love I have for 'Ma' and all the other women who have had to go through(or are still going through) situations like this is enormous.My heart aches for them and I feel like now I have a bit more understanding of both the ugly side of life and the beautiful side.
A lot of people believe that because its told from a five year olds perspective, it's irritating and whiny, but to me, it added to the effect. And it wasn't that bad, especially considering that the mother has had to teach him everything herself. The innocence of Jack's voice narrating this creepy tale, all the while adds to effect. The reader is left with more insight and understanding to what's REALLY happening while also reading about how confused and ignorant Jack is.
You're left feeling so many emotions and made to think hard about life. It's raw, haunting, absorbing and truly a one of a kind book. It's originality is astounding and this tale is woven perfectly. A brilliant read from start to finish
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Violence, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Abortion, Suicide attempt, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail