SBC Eccentric mom task: Room by Emma Donoghue (spoilers)

jjr1214 · April 2014

I'm not quite sure what took me so long to read this book. I think the basic premise (a woman is kidnapped and kept in a reinforced shed in a man's backyard for seven years, has one stillborn daughter and then a son) put me off a little bit as I have a hard time reading about violence against women and children. I liked the fact that this book is written from Jack's perspective because while you are aware of what is going on it keeps you at a distance since he's not really aware of what's happening. I thought she captured the voice of a child really well.

I really felt for the mom in this book. To live in captivity for so long doing the best you can for your son, finally escape and then have so many people criticizing your choices would be devastating. It was heartbreaking reading about Jack's adjustment too, from the physical and mental obstacles he had to overcome to his being homesick for the place they were held captive.

Its hard for me to say I enjoyed this book because of the dark subject matter but it had me captivated while I was reading and I have thought about it a lot since.

GilliC · April 2014

We read this for my IRL book club a few years ago. It raised a lot of discussion about breastfeeding and gender identity. I thought it was interesting how Jack saw the outside world without the traditional gender stereotypes.

On the breastfeeding front, I will admit that I was a little uncomfortable with the idea of Jack still breastfeeding at his age (wasn't he around 5?), but I do think it makes sense in her situation, as it was a way to help with his nutrition and probably comforting to them both. And the ensuing discussion made me question my own opinions a bit on the subject.

Shepherdjel · April 2014

I didn't like this book when I originally read it...I am now contemplating going back and trying again as a mom...

Savanna111911 · April 2014

I actually liked this book a lot. Again, its hard to say that I liked it given the subject matter, but I did give it 5 stars. I thought it was very believable.

krispy83 · April 2014

Shepherdjel said:

I didn't like this book when I originally read it...I am now contemplating going back and trying again as a mom...

Same here - I actually really disliked it when I read it (I think I gave it one star) but I'm wondering if my perspective on it would be different since I've become a mother. Not to say that you have to be a mother to appreciate it, I just think perhaps I would feel differently about it now.

SBC Eccentric mom task: Room by Emma Donoghue (spoilers)

Re: SBC Eccentric mom task: Room by Emma Donoghue (spoilers)

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