This novel incites our inherent human curiosity with atrocities such as kidnap and imprisonment, putting the reader in the position of 5 year old Jack who was born and raised in 'Room' where he and his mother are imprisoned. Although the subject matter is very dark and troublesome, the novel does not become a horror story. Instead, the plight of Jack and his 'Ma' becomes an ambassador for the positive side of human nature - the love between a mother and child, courage and creativity among other qualities.
Donoghue consulted with child psychologists to ensure that the novel adheres to the expected effects of isolation and confinement on the development of a child. When Jack enters 'outside', the fascination is transferred from Jack and his Ma's adapted life in 'Room' to how he can cope with his new freedom. Donoghue may not be an expert in the field of child development, but she cleverly highlights seemingly simple and arbitrary elements of our life that Jack finds most difficult when thrown into the 'outside'. This provokes the reader to question their own society, very much like 'Martian Poetry' causes us to look at our everyday behaviour in a new light.
Although the ending of the novel disappointed me slightly due to the neatness of the closure gained, the catharsis of the initially horrific situation was refreshing. I would recommend this book to anyone.
Donoghue consulted with child psychologists to ensure that the novel adheres to the expected effects of isolation and confinement on the development of a child. When Jack enters 'outside', the fascination is transferred from Jack and his Ma's adapted life in 'Room' to how he can cope with his new freedom. Donoghue may not be an expert in the field of child development, but she cleverly highlights seemingly simple and arbitrary elements of our life that Jack finds most difficult when thrown into the 'outside'. This provokes the reader to question their own society, very much like 'Martian Poetry' causes us to look at our everyday behaviour in a new light.
Although the ending of the novel disappointed me slightly due to the neatness of the closure gained, the catharsis of the initially horrific situation was refreshing. I would recommend this book to anyone.
To read an extract, follow this link to the Guardian website:
