Fang jian

Disturbing, particularly because it is told through the eyes of a child and you only gradually get the real picture of what is going on, but uplifting too, because it tells of a mother's love and sacrifice and how remarkable the human spirit really is.

A very unique way of telling the story. I like it. This took me through several different emotions. From laughter and fondness to nearly holding my breath with suspense. I've never read anything like it. A good read.

At first I thought this was going to be a trial to read. How interesting can a five-year-old pov be sustained for a whole novel? But once the 'world was established', I was hooked. Room is at times gripping and terrifying. An intelligent imagining of a horrible series of events.

It took me a short while to get used to Jack's narrative style but once I was, I loved the story.

SpoilerI thought the best part of the book was while Jack and Ma were still in Room but I think that may be because Jack felt secure there. I think his insecurity and confusion made his telling the tale more difficult.

The way the author used Jack's voice to describe what the world appeared to be to him, an outsider, was fantastic. A great way to use the Sociological Eye, I thought.

I was reduced to tears several times - either for happy or sad or just by the powerful emotions the words pulled from me. I think part of it was that I'm a very emotional person but part of it was that I kept imagining my young son in Jack's place.

Room was a great, and at times difficult, read. I highly recommend it.