Room is a novel that has been receiving a lot of praise and interest lately - not least because it has been short listed for the 2010 Man Booker Prize.
The premise of the book is definitely intriguing - a 5 year old boy, Jack, and his mother (Ma) are imprisoned in a small room that measures eleven feet by eleven feet - it is the only world and life that Jack has ever known and his language and ideas demonstrate this;
We have a pretty busy morning, First we undo Pirate Ship that we made last week and turn it into Tank. Balloon is the driver, she used to be as big as Ma's head and pink and fat, now she's small like my fist only red and wrinkly. We only blow up one when it's the first of a month, so we can't make Balloon a sister till it's April. Ma plays with Tank too but not as long. She gets sick of things fast, it's from being an adult.
Monday is laundry day, we get into Bath with socks, underwears, my gray pants that ketchup squirted on, the sheets and dish towels, and we squish all the dirt out. Ma hots Thermostat way up for the drying, she pulls Clothes Horse out from beside Door and stands him open and I tell him to be strong.
Donoghue has done an amazing job of creating and portraying Jack's voice and his world - I believed in the existence of this child and his narrow view of what the world is.
The book is unbelievably powerful and affecting - how could it not be when it is written so well? I was captured by it but at the same time annoyed by it! I believed in Jack's voice and his story but it was actually Ma that I wanted to hear more from - maybe because I am an adult with no children of my own it was the adult voice that I wanted to hear more of in the story?? The book certainly does focus on the experiences of Ma too - but is always through Jack's eyes, voice and language. This certainly doesn't take away from the brilliance of the book - I guess my reading focus just wanted the other side of the story more so I felt a little frustrated that this did not come through. Having said that though this is really my only (very personal and selfish!) critique of the book - it is an amazing story that is deserving of all the positive attention it has been receiving.
16 comments:
haha its funny because in my review I said I was very thankful they didnt tell any part of it from the mothers point of view. Loved it also
I was really pleased that it wasn't written from Ma's point of view - I found the child's voice far more powerful. This was confirmed by reading Forgetting Zoe, which is a very well written book written from the POV of the kidnapper and his victim. I'll write a review soon, but if you think you'd prefer the adult voice then perhaps it is the book for you?
Ok, that's it. So many people recommending the book. I have now ordered it and shall read it as soon as it gets here. I'd like to take part in the discussion. ;)
I loved this book!! It was so chilling!! I agree with the other comments, I actually preferred not hearing from Ma, I think it made the book more powerful. Loved your review Karen :)
I've heard a lot about this book over the last couple of weeks. I think it's one I'll be picking up at some point :)
I loved this one too! I think part of its brilliance was not hearing from Ma directly. With Jack's voice, I got her side of the story too, even if Jack didn't.
Hi Jessica - It sounds like I am very much in the minority on this one!
Hi Jackie - Thanks for the tip. I think I might take a break from the whole kidnapping/hostage reading area at the moment but I will remember that title for future reference.
Hi Susi - I hope you enjoy the reading experience!
Hi Elise - I totally agree that not hearing from Ma made the book more powerful - I just can't help wanting to hear from her at the same time!!
Hi Nikki-Ann - It's definitely one of the books of the moment that a lot of people seem to be getting on board with.
Hi nomadreader - That is so true - Jack was a wonderful advocate for Ma.
I absolutely loved this book too - it's certainly one that will stay with me for a long time I think. Glad you enjoyed it too :)
Hi The Book Whisperer - Yep, this one is definitely a stayer!
I did not realize that it was written from the child's perspective. Must be really different and interesting.
Hi Mystica - it it a great idea for a novel - really interesting and draws you in.
I do trust all the concepts you've presented on your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are too brief for starters. Could you please prolong them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.
Check out my web site :: registry cleaner software
Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I've truly loved surfing around your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing on your feed and I hope you write once more soon!
My web site ... mens Victorinox Watches
Howdy are using Wordpress for your site platform? I'm new to the blog world but I'm trying to get started and create my own.
Do you require any coding expertise to make your own
blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
Feel free to surf to my site - seo service
Very shortly this web page will be famous amid all blogging and site-building visitors, due to it's nice posts
My web site - http://boomerbug.com/activity/p/7276/
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up!
I'll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back in the future. Cheers
my web-site - wikipolitica-it.piega.org
Post a Comment