What We're Reading: Abby

The Room by Emma Donoghue


This story is told from the perspective of Jack, a 5-year old boy who has lived his entire life with his mother in one small room. Jack's mother gave birth to him alone in this room because as we learn she has been held captive by a man they call Old Nick. Wanting to make life as normal as possible for her child she teaches him songs and games and whatever else she can think of to keep him stimulated and learning. She also teaches him how to get help when and if he is able to get out, which he eventually does. We then see the struggle and how difficult it is on the outside and the limitations that living in such a small unnatural space has imposed on both mother and son. There is such a strong bond between the two that both have to learn to grow and heal outside of the room and individually. This is a very unique novel that exposes not only the psychological damage but the physical consequences that could result from this type of horrific situation.