Beep beep

Room: A Novel, by Emma Donoghue

Room is told from the point of view of Jack, a five-year-old boy who lives in "room" with his Ma and has never left this place where a stain from his birth still marks the rug. Jack is advanced in many ways and yet has never been farther than across a room from his mother. His entire understanding of existence is entirely shaped on his mother's explanation of the world outside room and "Old Nick," the man who visits room at 9 o'clock most nights.

This was not a relaxing read -- it stressed me out, but it is a really good book. We've all heard stories of people (usually women) held captive, hidden away in plain sight. People are held prisoner in basements, or in this story, a soundproof garden shed in a backyard, surrounded by a neighborhood, and the neighbors never suspect a thing.

I particularly recommend this novel as an audiobook. Three voice actors take on the characters, and the actor portraying Jack is excellent. I was emotionally invested in the outcome for Jack and his Ma. The print version includes a floor plan of "room," but I didn't feel I missed too much by not seeing the illustration.

I hesitate to say much more for fear I might ruin a plot twist. If you are looking for a light read, this probably isn't your best bet. I'm not sure that I've read another book quite like this one, and I'm glad I did.

Goodnight room. Goodnight and goodbye, Jack.