Emma Donoghue

A five-year-old narrates a story about his life growing up in a single room where his mother aims to protect him from the man who has held her prisoner for seven years since she was a teenager.

Jack has spent his life in a small space his mother calls Room, and while Jack uses his imagination to create fantasies to entertain himself, his mother finds a way for them to escape. The plot contains disturbing scenes of violence and confinement.

a novel

Room

I just started the book and it being from the child’s perspective is so sad and almost scary bc he doesn’t know that he’s rlly in danger

ja’leasa

 "Ma!" "Mmm?" Why am I hided away like the chocolates?" I think she’s sitting on Bed. She talks quiet so I can hardly hear. “I just don’t want him looking at you. Even when you were a baby. I always wrapped you up in Blanket before he came in.”

JUST WOW. He understands that he should be scared of him and that he comes in the night. But he doesnt rlly know bc he’s just a little boy. 

When Old NiCk Creaks Bed, I listen and count fives on my fingers, tonight it's 217 creaks. I always have to count till he makes that gaspy sound and stops. I don't know what would happen if I didn't count, because I always do. What about the nights I'm asleep? I don't know, maybe Ma does the counting. After the 217 it's all quiet.

…we do Scream every day but not Saturdays or Sundays. We clear our throats and climb up on Table to be nearer Skylight, holding hands not to fall. We say "On your mark, get set, go," then we open wide our teeth and shout holler howl yowl shriek screech scream the loudest possible.

It’s very sweet how she protects his creative mind and just his childhood in general to allow the kid freedom but she never stops to survive even after 7 years 

I play Keypad, that s I Stand on my chair by Door and usually Ma says the numbers but today I have to make them up. I press them on Keypad quick quick no mistakes. The numbers don't make Door beep open but I like the little clicks when I push them.

Room quotes

Join the club