"Room" by Emma Donoghue

   “Room” by Emma Donoghue has a very compelling (even chilling) premise. A young woman has been kept against her will in a small room for seven long years. Her child – born of the continued, forced sexual relationship with her captor – has just turned five and has never known a life outside of Room. In fact, Jack has no concept at all of life in the larger world outside. But as young Jack comes to realize that some of what he sees on TV actually exists in a life beyond their captivity and as her captor turns even more vicious toward her, his mother starts to think anew of how to escape with her son’s help. But can Jack play his necessary role to alert authorities when the outside environment is such a shock? How can his Ma fully prepare him to successfully escape? And can he rescue her in time if he does?

   While the plot of “Room” may sound like the book would be a grim, difficult read, surprisingly it is not. Since it is told in young Jack’s unforgettable voice, the story has a lightness and even humor as events are seen through his innocent eyes. And we are amazed by the resilience of his mother who has constructed a life for both of them within such a confined situation – providing for Jack’s education and even physical fitness development. Instead of succumbing to despair and depression, their daily schedule prevents boredom and provides enough variety and stimulation that both captives can continue on, day to day, until they devise a way to escape!

   But finally escaping brings its own difficulties and new challenges. How do you cope with life in the outside world and the bombardment of the media after living in such an isolated environment for so long? And how can you rebuild a life with friends and family who have moved on after seven long years, assuming that you were dead? How can a family accept a child born of captivity, cruelty and on-going rape? And how can Jack accept separation (even momentary) from his mother who has been a constant presence for his entire life? Both Jack and his mother have personal issues of adjustment in the big, outside world as they try to handle their newfound freedom. All of this inspires even more questions about society and fresh perspectives by those seeing our modern society after being shut away for so very long.

   “Room” was short-listed for the Man Booker prize and has received considerable critical acclaim. It is a work of fiction, inspired in part by newsworthy kidnappings in the international news.

   “Room” is a creative, thought-provoking book and a wonderful book club selection as it will prompt great discussions.

   It is a book like no other you have ever read. Don’t miss it!