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Room

the unputdownable bestseller that inspired the Oscar-winning film

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Room

By: Emma Donoghue
Narrated by: Michal Friedman, Ellen Archer, Suzanne Toren, Robert Petkoff
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About this listen

A major film starring Brie Larson.
Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
Shortlisted for the Orange Prize.

Unsentimental and sometimes funny, devastating yet uplifting, Room by Emma Donoghue is a story of boundless maternal love. Read by a full cast of narrators.

Scared is what you're feeling. Brave is what you're doing.

Jack lives with his Ma in Room, which has a locked door and a skylight, and measures 11 feet by 11 feet. He loves watching TV, and the cartoon characters he calls friends, but he knows that nothing he sees on screen is truly real – only him, Ma and the things in Room. Until the day Ma admits that there’s a world outside . . .

Told in Jack’s voice, Room is the story of a mother and son whose love lets them survive the impossible . . .

Part of the Picador Collection, a series celebrating fifty years of Picador books and showcasing the best of modern literature.

 Family Life Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Movie, TV & Video Game Tie-Ins Psychological Funny Thought-Provoking Feel-Good

Critic Reviews

Emma Donoghue's writing is superb alchemy, changing innocence into horror and horror into tenderness. Room is a book to read in one sitting. When it's over you look up: the world looks the same but you are somehow different and that feeling lingers for days. (Audrey Niffenegger)
Room is one of the most profoundly affecting books I've read in a long time. Jack moved me greatly. His voice, his story, his innocence, his love for Ma combine to create something very unusual and, I think, something very important . . . Room deserves to reach the widest possible audience. (John Boyne)
I loved Room. Such incredible imagination, and dazzling use of language. And with all this, an entirely credible, endearing little boy. It's unlike anything I've ever read before. (Anita Shreve)
All stars
Most relevant
I couldn't stop listening. The child's perspective is heart warming but also enlightening. Beautifully written.

Extraordinary Story!

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great tale of love and change. fantastic character agency. well researched, with a very strong finish

just wow

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A heart warming masterpiece that places the reader inside the developing mind of a child who is unknowingly in an otherwise unimaginable situation. I was horrified, touched, saddened and gladdened by the story of Jack and his Mom, and all the brilliant and dedicated people in society who so outnumber the Old Nicks

Insights into human psychological development as dictated by environment, and the ability to heal

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The perspective of this story from a child raised in such restricted and traumatic circumstances is touching. In some ways I found this more poignant as it does not revel in the sensational aspect of this crime. The child's view and behaviour reveals more about the impact and implications of this crime upon others than is usually considered. The strength of this young woman's character is amazing. A great read.

Unique and moving

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My first audiobook, and I was hooked. Great performances from all the cast, especially Michal Friedman. The story was vivid and insightful, raising interesting questions about parenting, PTSD, and the trauma of growth. Minus one performance star for the shocking attempt at an Australian accent.

A gripping story

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