Thursday, February 10, 2011

Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue


Last night I finished reading Room: A Novel by Emma Donoghue.  This book was given to me by a dear like-minded friend and I can't wait to discuss it with her.  It is the story of a 19-year-old young woman kidnapped and held captive in a 12 by 12 foot soundproofed shed.  The book begins 7 years after her capture and is told from the perspective of her 5-year-old son.  Uh-huh.  You read that right.  She has a son while she is in captivity.  Fathered by her captor.  This was a tough read. 

At one point, I had to call my dear friend and ask her if I really had to keep reading.  Then I did something I never ever do.  I asked her to tell me if these characters would have a happy ending.  I know that is totally against the rules, but I just didn't think I could finish if they didn't all live happily ever after.  And now I will tell you what she said so that you can decide for yourself if you want to read this:

**Spoiler**


They do live happily ever after and I was happy with the ending.

Now I only tell you that because it was so important to me to know.  I just couldn't keep reading about their horrible living conditions without some reassurance of light at the end of the tunnel.  Now I know that my previous reviews have contained quite a bit of discussion, but I feel like I can say no more about this novel.  It's one of those stories that you just have to experience as you read it.  I think it's important to feel what the 5-year-old boy feels and see what he sees. 

I really did love this book and I hope you will read it.  When you do, post a comment and tell me what you think.  If we know each other personally, please call me so we can discuss it.  I would love to hear what you think.