In only two sittings, over an indulgent weekend, I have just read "Room: a novel" by Emma Donoghue.I can't remember from which source the recommendation for this novel came, but it was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2010.
"Room" refers to the entire world experienced by 5 year old Jack who tells his story (first person). The 11' x 11' locked perimeter of Jack's existence contains "Lamp, Rug, Wardrobe (in which he sleeps) etc ... and his otherwise unnamed mother (Ma).
The totality of Jack and his mother's situation unfolds from Jack's innocent perspective.
Ma has explained that anything outside Room's Walls is "Outer Space" and therefore, "in TV" there is a Weather Planet and an Exercise Planet etc. However, cartoon characters are Jack's reality and he connects with Dora the Explorer as his idolised friend.
Jack, whose juvenile voice throughout ("cutted", "winned") is totally believable, is nonetheless very intelligent with a highly developed sense of imagination. This can be attributed to his amazing mother who goes to extraordinary lengths to normalise his life and stimulate his brain with endless "games", songs, exercise and other activities. This is OK until finally their situation becomes intolerable for her. That's when things become really interesting!
This improbable existence is brought to life by excellent writing. Emma Donoghue has us "inside the heads" of our two protagonists and we empathise with their many emotions.
If pushed, I would describe this novel as a psychological drama/thriller. It would be a great Book Club choice, with many possible areas for discussion.
Helen
Engadine Library
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