Review: Room
Imagine living all of your formative years confined to an 11 by 11 room; No natural air, no grass between your feet, and little space to run and play. This is the life led by Jack, the five-year-old focus of “Room,” by Emma Donaghue. Told from Jack’s point-of-view and written in a childlike manner, the story is difficult to dive into, but the work is worth it. Jack and his mother are held by the menacing and demented “Old Nick,” who plays the twisted role of captor and provider for the family. The story picks up after the family escapes from their captor, and Jack finally experiences all that the world has to offer. While the pacing and odd format take a moment to adjust to at the start, and there are sections that are rather shocking, the novel has many redeeming qualities. The unique writing style reveals much about the plot and subtle interactions and is incredibly rewarding once the reader adapts to it. Skillfully told by the experienced Donaghue, this quick read is worth picking up.
