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izzys_internet_bookshelf's review
4.0
4.5/5
I really enjoyed this book. It was the first amount of spooky and followed how the main character slowly started to become lost and confused.
I really enjoyed this book. It was the first amount of spooky and followed how the main character slowly started to become lost and confused.
epiphxnygirl's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
randomreader41's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
marie_reads16's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
riale's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Dark, but also inspiring? It's a hard journey, but it's worth it. This book hooked me in, and it affected how I perceive trauma, hope, and love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Child abuse, Stalking, Bullying, Confinement, and Mental illness
Moderate: Violence, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Sexual assault
jsncnrd's review
5.0
I read this 500-page book in less than 36 hours. I simply could not put it down. With every single chapter, I became more and more invested in the story – needing to know what happened.
What started off as a thriller turned into a chilling, visceral portrayal of the effects of trauma on the human mind, body, and spirit. It was disturbing, it was heartbreaking, it was gritty.
Watching Sayers’ mind come undone was a psychologically brutal experience that was chilling. A tale not only of Stockholm Syndrome, but also of the lengths the mind will go to in order to preserve any semblance of security and safety. The story became even more disorienting as we began to lose all sense of time.
Sayers’ journey was painful – but fascinating and redeeming. We began the book with a story about an insufferable, privileged boy. We ended the book with a story about a resourceful, brave, kind, resilient survivor. The more time I spent with him, the more I cared about him, his healing, and his future.
Evan. Wow. Evan was a beautifully-written, empathetic, emotionally complex and loveable character whom I adored. And I would love to hear more of his story – from his point of view. Because when the disturbing reality of what he experienced on that fateful night was uncovered, there were only a few pages left in the book – and all I wanted was to get more insight into his journey. How, despite the cruel events that took place, he still managed to be such a helpful, selfless, and supportive young adult – and an incredible friend to Sayers.
And after knowing what his reality was, I went back retroactively in my mind and knew that Evan was being strong enough for both himself AND Sayers as he helped Sayers through his trauma. Their friendship was my favorite part of the book.
I will recommend this book to so many people. It was one of the most unique ones I’ve come across in a while, and one that was so emotionally impactful that it truly left a lasting impression on me. Because when all was said and done, the book was more than a story. It was a commentary on the power of human connection, and a testament to the unbreakable nature of the human soul.
It was a reminder that shows us that we can be victims – or we can be survivors.
What started off as a thriller turned into a chilling, visceral portrayal of the effects of trauma on the human mind, body, and spirit. It was disturbing, it was heartbreaking, it was gritty.
Watching Sayers’ mind come undone was a psychologically brutal experience that was chilling. A tale not only of Stockholm Syndrome, but also of the lengths the mind will go to in order to preserve any semblance of security and safety. The story became even more disorienting as we began to lose all sense of time.
Sayers’ journey was painful – but fascinating and redeeming. We began the book with a story about an insufferable, privileged boy. We ended the book with a story about a resourceful, brave, kind, resilient survivor. The more time I spent with him, the more I cared about him, his healing, and his future.
Evan. Wow. Evan was a beautifully-written, empathetic, emotionally complex and loveable character whom I adored. And I would love to hear more of his story – from his point of view. Because when the disturbing reality of what he experienced on that fateful night was uncovered, there were only a few pages left in the book – and all I wanted was to get more insight into his journey. How, despite the cruel events that took place, he still managed to be such a helpful, selfless, and supportive young adult – and an incredible friend to Sayers.
And after knowing what his reality was, I went back retroactively in my mind and knew that Evan was being strong enough for both himself AND Sayers as he helped Sayers through his trauma. Their friendship was my favorite part of the book.
I will recommend this book to so many people. It was one of the most unique ones I’ve come across in a while, and one that was so emotionally impactful that it truly left a lasting impression on me. Because when all was said and done, the book was more than a story. It was a commentary on the power of human connection, and a testament to the unbreakable nature of the human soul.
It was a reminder that shows us that we can be victims – or we can be survivors.
magickshop's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
notblue's review
5.0
You can tell Robin Roe has a background in psychology when you read this book. It's hard to describe the absolute dread you feel when reading it.
5/5
Spoiler
Also I can't really help but be a little disappointed we won't know if Sayers rekindles his friendship with Luke. I think I would've really liked an epilogue here, especially after reading the author's note. It does leave a little hope though, it does say they are going to talk when Luke gets home. No points deducted, however. This is still one of the best books I've read this year, if not ever5/5
the_horror_maven's review
4.0
QUICK TAKE
Dark Room Etiquette is one of those rare novels that you go in to not knowing what to expect and end up coming out completely changed. It is an exploration of bullying, trauma, class, and family that is beautiful and haunting. Despite the large size of this novel, I read it in two days because of how much I bonded with the story. Robin Roe is one of my new favorite authors, and I look forward to seeing where she goes next with her writing.
TELL ME MORE
Dark Room Etiquette follows Sayers Wayte, an affluent sixteen-year-old boy who seemingly has it all. He is popular, and he has a lot of friends and family. Unfortunately, he and his friends exhibit bullying behaviors towards another boy at this school named Evan. In the beginning of the novel, Sayers is highly unlikable, and it was hard to connect with him. But the beauty of this novel is that Robin Roe made a character who on the outside is the stereotypical “popular kid” who many of us detested in high school and forced us to dive deep into his character and see him from another perspective.
“It’s unnerving, the sheer imagination people have when it comes to inventing new ways to hurt each other.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
Soon into the novel, Sayers is kidnapped by a man who holds him hostage and claims that Sayers is his missing son, Daniel. He brainwashes Sayers with outrageous stories, and we slowly watch as Sayers develops Stockholm Syndrome and loses himself as he further bonds with his kidnapper. Further into the novel, Sayers’ kidnapper brings him a young woman, Penny, to keep him company, and the two create a unique bond as they become isolated with each other.
“A smile from the wrong person is terrifying.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
The descriptions of the abuse that the kidnapper puts Sayers and Penny through are difficult to digest, and I found myself have to stop at certain points to take a break. It was so hard seeing how Sayers’ character diminished over time, and I felt myself wanting to save him from his situation many times. Eventually, when Penny and Sayers are saved from the kidnapping situation, Penny can’t have anything to do with Sayers because she exhibits a severe trauma response whenever she sees him. Penny ends up having to go away to a residential program to receive treatment for her trauma, and Sayers finds himself feeling very alone.
“Names are important. You win favor by remembering. You diminish someone by forgetting.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
The beauty of Dark Room Etiquette, compared to other novels and movies that feature kidnapping, is that the majority of the novel focuses on what happens AFTER Sayers is rescued. We see how his brainwashing affects his relationship with his family, while also discovering how difficult it is for Sayers to try and go back to a “normal” life. I particularly liked how Sayers ends up becoming friends with Evan, the kid who he used to bully, and how their friendship becomes cathartic for him. While the rest of the novel does focus on Sayers’ trauma and how it now impacts his life following the kidnapping, we learn more about Evan and the bullying he suffered at the hands of some of Sayers’ friends. While before the kidnapping Sayers seemed to be oblivious to the struggles of his loved ones and his classmates, he becomes increasingly aware of those around him and what they are going through.
“The bad things are going to change you no matter what, and they can make you angry and bitter – or they can make you better.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
One aspect of this novel that I found interesting was that it heavily featured thoughts on God and faith. Penny believes in God and introduces the idea of God to Sayers while they are isolated, and it seems to be a saving factor for the both of them. Somehow the novel does this without preaching to the reader. I appreciated being able to consider God and see how He became something positive for Penny and Sayers to focus on in the depths of their despair without having religion or faith thrust upon me.
“Logically, I’ve known I wasn’t still locked in a house or a cellar. I mean, obviously I knew that. But I think your mind can stay trapped even when your body is free.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
The only reason I gave Dark Room Etiquette four out of five stars, instead of the solid five stars, is that I was disappointed with how the character of Penny was seemingly neglected following the kidnapping. We aren’t really given an explanation as to why she has such an aversion to seeing Sayers following the kidnapping, and by the time she gets back from residential treatment, the novel ends. While I know that this novel is from Sayers’ perspective, and not Penny’s, it would have helped the reader to learn more about trauma and why Penny acted the way that she did – as well as how deeply the kidnapping impacted her. There were also so many characters with so many storylines that some of them were just barely touched on, and I would have liked to see more depth.
“The thing is, I don’t really care what people believe – I just care what they do.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
Overall, Dark Room Etiquette is one of the best books I have read this year. It is an important novel about trauma and abuse, as well as the difficulties we experience in high school that can impact us for life, and it absolutely blew me away. If you are looking for a novel that will stick with you for a long time, then look no further than this novel. It has quickly made Robin Roe become one of my new favorite authors.
“No matter what’s happened to us, we still have the capacity for so much joy – because there is always a way out of a dark room.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
Dark Room Etiquette is one of those rare novels that you go in to not knowing what to expect and end up coming out completely changed. It is an exploration of bullying, trauma, class, and family that is beautiful and haunting. Despite the large size of this novel, I read it in two days because of how much I bonded with the story. Robin Roe is one of my new favorite authors, and I look forward to seeing where she goes next with her writing.
TELL ME MORE
Dark Room Etiquette follows Sayers Wayte, an affluent sixteen-year-old boy who seemingly has it all. He is popular, and he has a lot of friends and family. Unfortunately, he and his friends exhibit bullying behaviors towards another boy at this school named Evan. In the beginning of the novel, Sayers is highly unlikable, and it was hard to connect with him. But the beauty of this novel is that Robin Roe made a character who on the outside is the stereotypical “popular kid” who many of us detested in high school and forced us to dive deep into his character and see him from another perspective.
“It’s unnerving, the sheer imagination people have when it comes to inventing new ways to hurt each other.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
Soon into the novel, Sayers is kidnapped by a man who holds him hostage and claims that Sayers is his missing son, Daniel. He brainwashes Sayers with outrageous stories, and we slowly watch as Sayers develops Stockholm Syndrome and loses himself as he further bonds with his kidnapper. Further into the novel, Sayers’ kidnapper brings him a young woman, Penny, to keep him company, and the two create a unique bond as they become isolated with each other.
“A smile from the wrong person is terrifying.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
The descriptions of the abuse that the kidnapper puts Sayers and Penny through are difficult to digest, and I found myself have to stop at certain points to take a break. It was so hard seeing how Sayers’ character diminished over time, and I felt myself wanting to save him from his situation many times. Eventually, when Penny and Sayers are saved from the kidnapping situation, Penny can’t have anything to do with Sayers because she exhibits a severe trauma response whenever she sees him. Penny ends up having to go away to a residential program to receive treatment for her trauma, and Sayers finds himself feeling very alone.
“Names are important. You win favor by remembering. You diminish someone by forgetting.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
The beauty of Dark Room Etiquette, compared to other novels and movies that feature kidnapping, is that the majority of the novel focuses on what happens AFTER Sayers is rescued. We see how his brainwashing affects his relationship with his family, while also discovering how difficult it is for Sayers to try and go back to a “normal” life. I particularly liked how Sayers ends up becoming friends with Evan, the kid who he used to bully, and how their friendship becomes cathartic for him. While the rest of the novel does focus on Sayers’ trauma and how it now impacts his life following the kidnapping, we learn more about Evan and the bullying he suffered at the hands of some of Sayers’ friends. While before the kidnapping Sayers seemed to be oblivious to the struggles of his loved ones and his classmates, he becomes increasingly aware of those around him and what they are going through.
“The bad things are going to change you no matter what, and they can make you angry and bitter – or they can make you better.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
One aspect of this novel that I found interesting was that it heavily featured thoughts on God and faith. Penny believes in God and introduces the idea of God to Sayers while they are isolated, and it seems to be a saving factor for the both of them. Somehow the novel does this without preaching to the reader. I appreciated being able to consider God and see how He became something positive for Penny and Sayers to focus on in the depths of their despair without having religion or faith thrust upon me.
“Logically, I’ve known I wasn’t still locked in a house or a cellar. I mean, obviously I knew that. But I think your mind can stay trapped even when your body is free.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
The only reason I gave Dark Room Etiquette four out of five stars, instead of the solid five stars, is that I was disappointed with how the character of Penny was seemingly neglected following the kidnapping. We aren’t really given an explanation as to why she has such an aversion to seeing Sayers following the kidnapping, and by the time she gets back from residential treatment, the novel ends. While I know that this novel is from Sayers’ perspective, and not Penny’s, it would have helped the reader to learn more about trauma and why Penny acted the way that she did – as well as how deeply the kidnapping impacted her. There were also so many characters with so many storylines that some of them were just barely touched on, and I would have liked to see more depth.
“The thing is, I don’t really care what people believe – I just care what they do.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
Overall, Dark Room Etiquette is one of the best books I have read this year. It is an important novel about trauma and abuse, as well as the difficulties we experience in high school that can impact us for life, and it absolutely blew me away. If you are looking for a novel that will stick with you for a long time, then look no further than this novel. It has quickly made Robin Roe become one of my new favorite authors.
“No matter what’s happened to us, we still have the capacity for so much joy – because there is always a way out of a dark room.”
Dark Room Etiquette by Robin Roe
bookspecter's review
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0