Fourth Grade Journey

A Fourth Grade Teacher's Journey Through the World of Books

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian...

How I Heard About It:   Chris Bohjalian is one of my favorite adult novel authors.  He is such a talented writer and all of his books are completely different from each other.  When I heard a new story was going to be released by Chris, I was so excited.  I was even more excited when I received an ARC of it via NetGalley.   

What It Is About:  Richard hosted a bachelor party for his "loser" brother Phillip.  A buddy of Phillip hired two "dancers" to perform at the party.  Richard's wife and daughter leave the house for the night so the men can do their "thing."  These dancers are from Russia and have been held hostage since a very young age.  The guys that run the organization are not too pleasant and make life for these women unbearable.  At some point during the evening, after much has been consumed and "seedy" behavior of the guests, the two dancers kill the guys that are forcing them to work.  They flee from the house leaving a devastating scene for Richard to Phillip to deal with.  After telling his wife about the events (well most of them), she asks that he not come home to her and their daughter.  One of the guy guests blackmails Richard to keep a secret that he things occurred during the evening.  Phillip's impeding marriage is in jeopardy.  While the men are trying to get their lives back on track, one of the Russian dancers does her very best to stay away from the law and figure out her next move.  When Richard, the dancer, some Russian thugs, and Richard's family all end up back at the house, things are bound to not go very well.  

What I Thought Of It:  Once again, Chris has written a stellar story.  It was definitely a page turner and so different from his other stories.  I like how part of the book was about the events at the bachelor party and the consequences that followed while the rest of the story was about Alexandra's story from early childhood in Russia to ending up in the United States running from the law.  The underside of certain life was portrayed with realism and thoughtfulness.  I found myself going back and forth between supporting Richard and being quite angry with him.  All and all, this was a GREAT read.  

Who Should Read It:  If you are like me and enjoy Chris Bohjalian's works of fiction, then I know you will also love this story.  It does not disappoint.  If you have not read any of his books, this would be a great one to start with because it is such a page turner.  This is definitely an adult story.  Happy Reading!  


Rating:  4 STARS out of 5 Stars

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