When I first read the synopsis for this book I was worried that I might not enjoy reading a book told through the eyes of a five year old boy. I felt that it was either going to come across as too childish and possibly just annoy me, or he would come off as too mature for his age and therefore make it not credible enough for me. I'm glad to report that I worried in vain.
Ms. Donoghue gives you the chilling tale of "Ma" - who has been held captive in a shack for seven years by her captor, Old Nick. Jack, our narrator, and the young boy who just recently turned 5 years old, has lived his whole life inside "Room". Let me explain, everything in Jack's world (in this case Room), is a proper noun, thus he uses words like Room, Bed, Table, Floor, Chair, Wardrobe, TV, etc., to describe the items scattered throughout his world. He's never seen the light of day and what he does know about the outside he learns through the TV and his Ma's stories.
When Ma concocts a bold plan to break free from Old Nick, brave, little Jack, will have to rely on his bravery and hope that luck can help them escape.
I won't go too much into the storyline, because I feel that if you plan on reading Room you should have limited knowledge of it (like I did) before you begin - this way you get more shock value as you read it. What I will say is that Ms. Donoghue not only gives you an imaginative story but captures the love of a mother for her child so strongly that it will bring tears to your eyes. Imagine living in a tiny room with nothing other than a bed, a bathroom, some household items and limited kitchen utensils. Every Sunday Old Nick comes around (while Jack hides in his wardrobe) to visit Ma. He knows to cover his eyes and ears until the bed stops creaking and Old Nick leaves.
Considering the dark nature of this story - hearing it through Jack's eyes gives it a lighter feel. Jack's voice was credible - his view of the world is unique and unforgettable. His Ma was so resilient and fiercely protective of her child. Her ability to teach Jack, keep him healthy, exercised, well-fed and dressed was so amazing to me. You can't help but look up to her. Her desperation to break free of that room and get back into the real world is painfully felt - even though you only catch glimpses of it through Jack's eyes.
All in all, this novel was superb. It is thought-provoking, intense, emotional and powerful. I can't recommend it enough.
