'The Room' by Hubert Selby Jr. delves into the dark and twisted internal dialogue of a small-time crook in his remand cell, where he concocts evil fantasies to gain power over his life. The story follows the main character's descent into madness, obsession with revenge, and narcissism portrayed through a repetitive stream of consciousness. The narrative is presented in an interesting format, showcasing the protagonist's disturbing fantasies in graphic detail, including elements of physical and psychological torture.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for The Room include graphic violence, sexual assault, psychological abuse, and themes of sadism and isolation, all of which may be triggering for some readers.
From The Publisher:
'It is quite an experience to be locked up all by yourself in any size room' says the anonymous narrator of Hubert Selby Jr.'s second novel. What follows is a startling series of recollections and fantasies that illuminate the workings of a prisoner's unhinged mind. He yearns for his violent childhood, rages against obscure authorities, and imagines enacting horrible revenge on those who imprisoned him. The prisoner's remand cell becomes the scene of a surreal mental torture.
Disorienting, nightmarish and structurally inventive, The Room is a shocking examination of the suffering humans can inflict on each other.
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About the Author:
Hubert Selby, Jr. was born in Brooklyn in 1928. At the age of 15, he dropped out of school and went to sea with the merchant marines. While at sea he was diagnosed with lung disease. With no other way to make a living, he decided to try writing: 'I knew the alphabet. Maybe I could be a writer.' In 1964 he completed his first book, Last Exit to Brooklyn, which has since become a cult classic. In 1966, it was the subject of an obscenity trial in the UK. His other books include The Room, The Demon, Requiem for a Dream, Song of the Silent Snow, The Willow Tree and Waiting Period. In 2000, Requiem for a Dream starred Jared Leto and Ellen Burstyn and was directed by Darren Aronofsky. Hubert Selby Jr died in Highland Park, Los Angeles, California in April 2004.
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