Emma Donoghue’s Room
was my reading group’s February book pick. Although the title is still only available in hardback, the entire group was so interested in the story that we decided to set the paperback rule aside and go for it. To date, Room has really outdone most of the discussions we’ve had with other titles. I think that really says something.
was my reading group’s February book pick. Although the title is still only available in hardback, the entire group was so interested in the story that we decided to set the paperback rule aside and go for it. To date, Room has really outdone most of the discussions we’ve had with other titles. I think that really says something. I’ll spare you the details of the hype; if you’re a true bookworm you’ve heard the title mentioned again and again and AGAIN. Some of you might even have decided against reading it because of this hype, but let me be clear—it’s truly a unique piece of literature.
I hate writing reviews that give you the rundown of the story—read the book to discover these details.
The premise, like Nabokov’s Lolita
, is a disturbingly sensitive subject. Jack, a 5 year-old-boy, lives in a room where he’s held captive, along with his Mother. The narrative explores the day to day happenings of such an existence. Donoghue relates the curiosity and ignorance of a child of Jack’s age perfectly. The story, told exclusively through the eyes of young Jack, is much more palatable. The topic is almost innocent, when told through Jack’s perspective, as he is completely unable to understand the situation he is actually living. The novel explores relationships between mother and child, family and loss, violence and power. With the voice of a 5-year-old relating this, there are many gaps to be filled, situations to be digested and worked through. There were definitely moments of strong social commentary and desensitization that were disheartening.
, is a disturbingly sensitive subject. Jack, a 5 year-old-boy, lives in a room where he’s held captive, along with his Mother. The narrative explores the day to day happenings of such an existence. Donoghue relates the curiosity and ignorance of a child of Jack’s age perfectly. The story, told exclusively through the eyes of young Jack, is much more palatable. The topic is almost innocent, when told through Jack’s perspective, as he is completely unable to understand the situation he is actually living. The novel explores relationships between mother and child, family and loss, violence and power. With the voice of a 5-year-old relating this, there are many gaps to be filled, situations to be digested and worked through. There were definitely moments of strong social commentary and desensitization that were disheartening. Given the subject matter, there were times when I faced conflict over enjoying the book, especially when I was faced with situations that worked to bring the piece to the climax. There were times when I felt slightly uncomfortable in desiring the novel to progress, but reminded myself that the novel was, of course, a fictional account. Donoghue’s talent is abundantly apparent, and her style is effective.
To truly hash through these points, you’d have to read the book. I strongly encourage those who have been considering the title to pick it up for argument’s sake
Everything I read about this book makes me want to read it more and more. I can't wait for it to come out in paperback!
ReplyDeleteIt was incredible. I feel like I should have waited until the paperback release when more of my readers have actually read it so we could hash it out. Oh well! I'd love to know what you think when you do.
ReplyDeleteI am one of those who has been put off because of the hype, even though I actually own a copy. I think I will give it a go after reading your review.
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine read this a few months ago and highly recommended it. I'm aware of the premise, but I'm actually very curious because it doesn't sell anything about the storyline, the angle or the themes (well a bit, but not much).
ReplyDeleteFortunately, Emma Donoghue received a lot of love from the readership this year and she can take more pot shots at difficult subjects in the future. Me loves a good controversial writer.
I read this book and hated it and wondered what all the hype was about. I found Jack to be an annoying narrator and thought the whole thing to be rather gimmicky. I felt that Donoghue is talented and was disappointed that she didn't take this book to a higher level - I expected so much more. I would have much preferred to have been in Ma's head, rather than in Jack's. For me it was a disappointing read, but I can definitely see how it would make for a good book discussion.
ReplyDeleteBen- I think the fact that the book's objective is somewhat a mystery is part of the allure.
ReplyDeleteNadia- I feel like the novel had to use Jack in order to make the subject something that people could look at without experiencing great anxiety. I also feel that Donoghue used it as a way of forcing the reader to read between the lines, so to speak, to infer Ma's actual emotional state through her interactions with Jack. It's thrusting the reader into this existence of an individual that knows nothing about the world in which we're so familiar with- like learning everything all over again. I felt her style was highly effective. I did think that the 2nd half of the book was rushed, and I was left feeling like there was something missing. Regardless, I believed that the author was trying to convey the numerous ideas of what freedom means and the many facets of humanity. It's not for everyone. But it did provide a great topic for discussion.
I'm listening to this audiobook and it's fascinating--there are different voice actors for each of the characters. I'm thinking that an actual kid (or someone who does a great interpretation of a kid) spoke Jack's role. It's horrifying, but there's something comforting about being in "The Room."
ReplyDeleteEmily- I can't even imagine listening to the text via audiobook. I bet it's really good. Your last line makes me think that you can relate to how I feel about the book and the guilt that arises when enjoying a novel that tackles such a sensitive subject. I can't wait to see what you have to post. AND I SWEAR I'M GOING TO RETURN THE INTERVIEW!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading Room the other day and really enjoyed it. I have to agree with Nadia that, at least at first, I found Jack as narrator a little annoying. But once I got used to his voice I really loved the book, especially the second half.
ReplyDeleteI'm really looking forward to this book - a co-worker recommended it and I'm going to pick it up soon.
ReplyDeleteI read the first few pages and I'm not sure how I'll like the narration, but I'm excited for something different.
great post. i've heard a lot about "room", of course, but i tend to skip over reviews of it - something about the premise has never interested me too much. your description of the book, though, makes me a little more inclined to pick it up when i get back to the states. the idea of reading this from the POV of a child is pretty interesting when I pause to think about it, though i'm still baffled by how the donoghue can pull off that narrative feat.
ReplyDelete-- ellen
I'm not sure that I 'enjoyed' this book per se, but I'm certainly glad I read it and think it's well worth the read. I also found Jack to be a tough narrator to get used to, but I agree with Beth that narrating such horrid events through the eyes of a child was both intriguing and compelling. I think the work would have lacked a necessary innocence and optimism had it been told through anyone else's eyes.
ReplyDelete