A Realistic Fiction Novel by
Emma Donoghue
ISIS RIVERA PRESENTS...
Author Info
Emma Donoghue is an Irish-born author, who has
written several other titles such as Slammerkin and
Frog Music.
She is the youngest of eight children. Her father is a
literary critic.
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a PhD in
English.
She currently lives with her partner, son and daughter
in London, Ontario.
Setting
There are three main settings in the book:
In Room, an 11x11 soundproofed garden
shed
Cumberland Clinic
Grandmas
In present day America; in a vaguely
described suburb
Main Characters
Ma: Jacks 26-year-old mother, who is very protective of him
Jack: The narrator, 5-years-old, whos very attached to Ma
Old Nick: Mas kidnapper
Grandma: Mas mother, who cares for Jack
Dr. Clay: The doctor who watched over Ma and Jack while at Cumberland.
Noreen: The nurse who aids Dr. Clay
Conflicts
Ma v. Old Nick (Human v. Human)
Ma v. the Media (Human v. Society)
Jack v. Modern Life (Human v. Society)
Plot
Room is a story about a boy named Jack who, with his
mother, has been confined to a small 11x11 foot space
for all five years of his life. Ma has been fiercely
protecting Jack from her captor, while Jacks
curiosity about life grows. When Jack turns five, Ma
reveals to Jack that images of people and animals that
he frequently views on TV are all real. He dismisses
her claims, thinking shes lying, but soon finds out
otherwise.
Mood
Throughout the story, the mood conveyed is often suspenseful due to Jacks
lack of detail or understanding of his surroundings.
Also, Jacks age and innocence gives the reader sympathetic feelings for him,
especially with certain precious actions.
Themes
Love
o Maternal love: Mas immense love for Jack and his reciprocation of it
o Boundaries: Jack misunderstands love, and hasnt yet developed boundaries
Societal Norms
o Jack doesnt understand whats normal because Ma never forced him to
learn them and he wasnt exposed to them
Recommendations
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in psychology or
criminal investigations.
I would caution anyone who has difficulties watching kidnapping or abuse
stories on the news.
