While on vacation, I decided I get to read one or two books that I don't NEED to read, but just want to. I've been wanting to read Room by Emma Donoghue for a while now, and finally got my chance.
Several times now I've had to tell someone what I'm reading and try to describe what it is about. It's just not that easy! It sounds so horrible. Room is about a five-year-old boy who has spent his entire life in an 11 x 11 foot room, which is his whole world and which he calls Room. His mother was kidnapped in her late teens and he is the result of her abuse. His birth, however, gave her reason to live, and she has protected him as best she can from the truth of his situation. At five, he is beginning to push the limits a bit, looking for answers to the questions that are starting to occur to him.
This book, obviously, has a dark edge to it, but this little boy is innocent of most of it and is much like many five year olds I know. The author has done a fantastic job of giving us his perspective, his voice and the workings of his mind. I recognize his love of repetition, his need for security, and his pushing the limits of what he knows. You just love Jack. His mother is suffering, but he doesn't quite know it. Eventually the situation changes, and Jack must adapt to a new world.
It's just beautifully done, and well-written, and heartbreaking. I could hardly bring myself to put it down sometimes, which can be somewhat detrimental to a sightseeing vacation! Good read.
