Room

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

The novel takes readers through their everyday life, which is confined to this tiny space. Narrated by five-year-old Jack, the story takes us on an emotional journey as we witness the strong bond between mother and son and their struggle for survival.

Key Facts about Room

• Title: Room
• Published: September 2010
• Literary Period: Contemporary Literature
• Genre: Novel / Psychological Fiction / Thriller
• Point-of-View: First-person (narrated by five-year-old Jack)
• Setting: Room
• Climax: Escape from Room
• Antagonist: Old Nick

Emma Donoghue and Room

Emma Donoghue is an Irish-Canadian author whose writing is known for its versatility, creativity, and depth. She has published numerous works of fiction, including novels, short stories, and plays, and her works have been translated into over 40 languages. Donoghue’s writing often explores themes of identity, family, and the complexities of human relationships.

Donoghue gained widespread recognition for her 2010 novel ‘Room,’ which was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, among other honors.

Donoghue’s other notable works include ‘The Wonder,’ which was shortlisted for the Giller Prize, and ‘Frog Music,’ which was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction. Her writing is known for its attention to historical detail and her ability to immerse readers in vividly depicted worlds. Donoghue’s writing is also characterized by its empathy and compassion for her characters, even as they grapple with difficult or traumatic experiences.

Emma Donoghue’s inspiration for ‘Room’ was the case of Elisabeth Fritzl, who was held captive in a basement by her father for 24 years. Donoghue wanted to explore the psychological impact of captivity on a mother and her child.

The novel took four years to write, during which time Donoghue conducted extensive research into the effects of long-term confinement. ‘Room‘ was an instant bestseller and was later adapted into a film in 2015.

Books Related to Room

The story of ‘Room‘ belongs to a genre of psychological fiction that explores the human mind and the impact of traumatic events. Some books that share similar themes with ‘Room’ include ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo‘ by Stieg Larsson, ‘The Lovely Bones‘ by Alice Sebold, and ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ by Lionel Shriver.

Readers might also be interested in reading:

• ‘Gone Girl‘ by Gillian Flynn – The disappearance of a wife and the suspicion that falls on her husband is at the heart of this thriller. ‘Gone Girl‘ plays with the idea of perception and the secrets we keep from those we love in a way that will likely remind readers of ‘Room.’
• ‘Before I Go to Sleep‘ by S.J. Watson – After a brutal attack leaves her with amnesia, Christine wakes up every day with no memory of her past. She relies on her journal to piece together her life. Both ‘Room‘ and ‘Before I Go to Sleep‘ explores themes of memory and the mind’s ability to create its own reality. ‘The Silent Patient‘ by Alex Michaelides – A therapist is determined to help Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who hasn’t spoken a word since she was convicted of murdering her husband. Like ‘Room,’ ‘The Silent Patient‘ delves into the psychology of trauma and the lengths we will go to protect ourselves.

• ‘The Girl on the Train‘ by Paula Hawkins – Rachel, an alcoholic struggling to come to terms with her divorce, becomes obsessed with a couple she sees from the train every day. ‘The Girl on the Train‘ explores the blurred lines between reality and perception in a way that’s quite similar to ‘Room.’

The Lasting Impact of Room