Rooms A Novel

Lauren Oliver — 2014

The New York Times bestselling author of Before I Fall and the Delirium trilogy makes her brilliant adult debut with this mesmerizing story in the tradition of The Lovely Bones, Her Fearful Symmetry, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane—a tale of family, ghosts, secrets, and mystery, in which the lives of the living and the dead intersect in shocking, surprising, and moving ways. Wealthy Richard Walker has just died, leaving behind his country house full of rooms packed with the detritus of a lifetime. His estranged family—bitter ex-wife Caroline, troubled teenage son Trenton, and unforgiving daughter Minna—have arrived for their inheritance. But the Walkers are not alone. Prim Alice and the cynical Sandra, long dead former residents bound to the house, linger within its claustrophobic walls. Jostling for space, memory, and supremacy, they observe the family, trading barbs and reminiscences about their past lives. Though their voices cannot be heard, Alice and Sandra speak through the house itself—in the hiss of the radiator, a creak in the stairs, the dimming of a light bulb. The living and dead are each haunted by painful truths that will soon surface with explosive force. When a new ghost appears, and Trenton begins to communicate with her, the spirit and human worlds collide—with cataclysmic results. Elegantly constructed and brilliantly paced, Rooms is an enticing and imaginative ghost story and a searing family drama that is as haunting as it is resonant.

Reviews

Amanda Valentin@valentin07

Jan 12, 2022

At first I thought this book was boring and depressing. Half way through it got much more interesting. I liked the perspective of the ghosts and how they became watchers and part of the house. The ending was the best because of the truths that were uncovered.

Alexia@apolasky

Dec 17, 2021

It started with an interesting premise but then went downhill. What a pity... 2.5 stars.

Elena Garcia Navarro@elenagn

Nov 28, 2021

3.5*

Ruth Parker @ruth

Nov 18, 2021

I’ve read a lot of Lauren Oliver’s books. In particular I fell in love with Before I Fall - that book had me on the edge of my seat, crying and smiling and falling in love with the characters. This one, however, was not the same standard by a mile. I found myself getting bored. I didn’t understand the point of having the ghosts, if I’m honest. I think the idea was interesting but it wasn’t well executed. Perhaps just having the ghosts or just having the family would have worked better? Either way, I found myself preparing to skim read chapters through boredom. I loved her first book so will take this with a grain of salt. I won’t let it put me off her other books, but I really hope her others are better!

Emily C Peterson@etrigg

Oct 22, 2021

DNF This book is so boring. Nothing is happening and character development is OH SO SLOW. I am a huge fan of Lauren Oliver and this book was a disappointment.

Gretchen Gomez@chicnerdreads

Aug 10, 2021

10/5 stars Wow Wow WOW This book was hauntingly beautiful. First off, it's not meant to scare the shit out of you because it's just not. I feel like Lauren Oliver is a misunderstood author because of her writing style. She doesn't come off as "clear" or "precise" in her writing but I truly believe it's because she's trying to make her readers THINK. And this book will make you THINK and look at the hidden messages. There's so much character development, and plot twist, and *gasp* *gasp* gasp* Like seriously one of my favorite books, I would so read it again. I am going to make sure I read this book every fall. And OMG the cover! Have you seen the cover? It's beautiful! I just..yeah I really enjoyed this book. I mourned for the ghost and the family and even the house. Ugh, phenomenal. Lauren, you did it again, you rock star.