Room by Emma Donoghue

Read as part of the World Book Night 2012 reading journey

Room is where Jack and Ma live; live as in exist. It is their whole world, and for Jack it is the one he was born into and the only one he has known.  His windows on the universe are a skylight and a television.  One shows only the time of day and the weather; the other, his Ma purports, shows happenings on other planets.  In this way she seeks to protect him from the reality of his confinement’

They are imprisoned by “Old Nick” during whose visits Jack retires to the wardrobe, out of sight, but unfortunately not out of hearing.  However Jack is turning 5 and, benefitting from Ma’s 24/7 attention, is becoming harder to keep both literally and metaphorically in the dark. And with Old Nick under external pressures something will have to be done.

Narrated by Jack with the clarity of his uncluttered perspective, we move from their physically constrained daily routine, through a period of revelation for Jack, to the question of possible escape.  But will escape simply exchange one set of known dangers for a whole new set of unknown ones.  Is Jack safer closeted in Room than exposed to crime, drugs, traffic, bullies, deep water and all the other suburban parental fears that surface when a child innocently asks “can I play out”.

The Room concept is wholly believable and without resorting to explicit detail is emotionally harrowing.  Real tension builds as escape is considered, planned and rehearsed.  Do they go through with it, can it succeed, or would they just swap the frying pan for the fire?

It’s a good read finding out.