I'm a big Bohjalian fan, having read most of his books and having a few more on TRB pile, as I enjoy how he writes about social issues and injustices. Sorry to say this book was a little disappointing. He covers the sex-slave issue but so many of the conversations between Richard and wife were unrealistic. Even the dialogue with Alexandra was stilted as she was supposedly trained to serve educated clients but her English was that of a cartoon character. Took me a while (half of book) to get hooked in the story and then I finished it in a matter of hours. By the end, I wanted more! I appreciate the research Bohjalian does for all of his books. This one, however, was missing some depth....and anger. Richard's wife needed to go a little bat-sh*t crazy on him to make it real. And geez, WHY didn't they get rid of the damn blood-soaked couch the first day?!?!? Or throw a big blanket over it?? Just not real enough for me.
You know a book is a gripping story when you read the last words, turn the page to make sure there's no more, and then remain wondering, "Will they be okay?" That is my reaction to The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian, a book that takes on the issue of sex trafficking from different facets - a young girl caught in the system, a "customer," and a family with a daughter of their own.
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015/12/the-guest-room.html
Reviewed based on a publisher's galley received through Edelweiss
Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2015/12/the-guest-room.html
Reviewed based on a publisher's galley received through Edelweiss
