Review: Room by Emma Donoghue

Summary:

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Review:

I was slightly skeptical about a book that is considered to be adult fiction being written in the hand of a child, but it was perfect.  The story is an in-depth look at what can happen following a kidnapping and is slightly reminiscent of the Jaycee Dugard case.

I recommend this to anyone wanting something that will open their eyes.  I admit that I take things in life for granted, but after reading this book I appreciated things more (at least for a short time).  It's hard to imagine a life where you are not even allowed fresh air, but it happens.  To have this story told by Jack we see the side of the kidnapping that is never talked about, some of the people taken want to stay as they are.  Many people who are taken young may not remember anything else.

Though it is a large book, it's easy to get through so give it a chance.  I give it a 4.5/5.0