The book Room - is this really what Mumsnet is about?

[NoseyNooNoo]

I appreciate that Literature is a matter of taste but somehow it seems distasteful for Musmnet to be offering 50 copies of Room to a group of mums. Do we really want to read an author's version of the Fritzl case. It seems like a really sad, heartbreaking story and as a mum I couldn't read it.

As I say, it's a matter of taste but had to voice my opinion.

Fair enough NoseyNooNoo - we sort of think the other way of looking at it is Mothers would have a unique interest in this book but obviously no one has to apply for free copy or read if they'd rather not.

I didn't find it heartbreaking at all . It was sad in places but I found it to be a very good read and more about the strength a mother is capable of when protecting her child.

Very very odd that you have such a strong opinion on it despite not reading it.

If you did read it I think you would be surprised.

That is a rather unnervingly censorious attitude, noseynoonoo, although I can entirely understand why you as an individual might choose not to read the book.

Especially in conjunction with the whole Eastenders thing I would be a bit shocked if MN were to turn down the book for the reasons you mention.

I appreciate it's a matter of choice - I'm a bot embarrassed I started the thread

Oh don't be embarrassed. It is a difficult subject and there has been some nasty sensationalism around the story that provoked it. I just feel testy about a general trend of relative willingness to censor or self-censor possibly offensive expression. (Disclaimer: I don't mean to include ubiquitous sexually objectifying products in my permissiveness. Censor or self-censor them till the cows come home.)

I was so embarrassed that I couldn't even spell 'bit'. I've applied for a free copy but suspect it will leave me lying awake thinking about it.

DH is a bit that I want to read it - I'm certainly not into misery memoirs and all that shite. But I saw a review when it first came out and it looks very well written, and not at all 'bandwagony' IYSWIM.

I am 86% of the way through it (kindle user), I wouldn't say it's heartbreaking.

It's interesting and I probably wouldn't have stayed engaged with it, but the 5 year old's manner of speaking is endearing.

Anything too horrible is mostly alluded to, rather than being thrown in your face. I did think Fritzl at quite a few points too.

It's a great book and not "about" the Fritzl case at all.