Library Book
Pub. Date: September 2010
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
This is the story of Jack and his ma. For all of his life he has known only Room. It is his world, what is in the room is real, everything else is just ‘on TV’ and outside the room is outer space. At night he is shut up in Wardrobe in case Old Nick visits. Room is his home, but to Ma it is a prison. She’s been a prisoner there for 7 years and although she has made a life for Jack and protected him, she knows they must escape in order to survive.
This is not just a story about abduction and imprisonment. It is about family relationships, personal strength, survival and adjustment. Written as if Jack were telling the tale, how he went from where he knew everything to where everything was new. There were surprises every day and it is interesting seeing them as a five year old would.
At first I was very enthused and read through about the first half rather quickly, and then it seemed to get bogged down. The middle part seemed rather contrived and predictable. Despite this the book does not drag on I was wondering how it was going to end, seeing as how Jack and Ma were in a new home, the ending was very nicely done.
I gave this book 3 stars because although I didn’t love it, it was a rather enjoyable read, just not a great read.
I’m intrigued as to why the mom is where she is. I might read it. Thank you for the review.
I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book, but I was thinking that there would have to be some downside about the 5-year-old viewpoint. I still think it sounds worth giving a try, though.
A lot of my friends have read it and loved it. Definitely give it a try.