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The Sickroom
When Jacob is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle for the summer and falls ill, he's exiled to the attic - the sickroom - and discovers his love of art in the paintings he finds there. Turning his back on his troubles back home, Jacob launches himself into an obsessive friendship with his younger cousin Macon, a secret friendship. But secrets can be dangerous, and when a tantalizing chance to reinvent himself arises, Jacob makes a choice that changes both his life and Macon's forever. A powerful story from the author of Home and The Grimly Queen about the betrayals we regret, the friendships we cherish, and the summers we never forget.
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2011
4 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Shayna Krishnasamy
25 books29 followersShayna Krishnasamy was born and raised in Montreal. She is a writer of literary and young adult fiction and her works have appeared in Geist and The Fiddlehead. Home is her first novel.
Shayna also writes under the pen name Lola Rooney.
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shayna-...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Shayna-Krishnas...
Shayna also writes under the pen name Lola Rooney.
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shayna-...
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Shayna-Krishnas...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 28, 2011
How disappointing. It's obvious that the author has talent, but this is a rough copy, it's not finished, it definitely needed more work before being published. The story itself is complete but it feels as if the first draft was published without any revision, any rewriting and it needed some.
The going back and forth in time is sometimes confusing because elements are missing to indicate to the reader "when" we are exactly. For example:
"He had no idea that she'd painted the park when she was only ten, as it didn't make it to the gallery until she was nearly fourteen. After that summer Macon took a break from galleries and pantings altogether."
Now when exactly did she take a break? At ten when she painted it? Or at 14 when it made it to the gallery? It will become clearer later on in the story but at that point it's confusing for the reader because the painting part refers to being 10 and the gallery part refers to being 14 and it is stated that she took a break from both, so when exactly was that? It was an easy thing to correct and that's only one of the many examples of things that should have been corrected.
It is unclear whether or not the author wanted the reader to know about Jacob's orientation from the start, I for one did know, but it seems like she didn't want to disclose it right away, that she only wanted to hint at it. I imagine she wanted to mirror Jacob's identification of his own orientation by letting it slip through little by little but even there I'm not sure about her intentions, whatever she wanted to do here, it doesn't work, it feels half done.
I feel cheated that I actually paid for this, even though it wasn't expensive, because it's unfinished. If it was simply bad I wouldn't mind so much, but this author obviously has talent and it feels disrespectful to her reader that she published this without putting into it the work it needed.
The going back and forth in time is sometimes confusing because elements are missing to indicate to the reader "when" we are exactly. For example:
"He had no idea that she'd painted the park when she was only ten, as it didn't make it to the gallery until she was nearly fourteen. After that summer Macon took a break from galleries and pantings altogether."
Now when exactly did she take a break? At ten when she painted it? Or at 14 when it made it to the gallery? It will become clearer later on in the story but at that point it's confusing for the reader because the painting part refers to being 10 and the gallery part refers to being 14 and it is stated that she took a break from both, so when exactly was that? It was an easy thing to correct and that's only one of the many examples of things that should have been corrected.
It is unclear whether or not the author wanted the reader to know about Jacob's orientation from the start, I for one did know, but it seems like she didn't want to disclose it right away, that she only wanted to hint at it. I imagine she wanted to mirror Jacob's identification of his own orientation by letting it slip through little by little but even there I'm not sure about her intentions, whatever she wanted to do here, it doesn't work, it feels half done.
I feel cheated that I actually paid for this, even though it wasn't expensive, because it's unfinished. If it was simply bad I wouldn't mind so much, but this author obviously has talent and it feels disrespectful to her reader that she published this without putting into it the work it needed.
January 1, 2012
What a read! I'll be honest, this type of story isn't usually my cup of tea. I don't really like literary fiction much - I tend to read more fantasy and biographies. But, I had to write a review for this little novella because of how much it impressed me!
The story centers around a young boy who is confused about his identity. I felt a nice connection with his character, maybe because I could remember what it was like to be that age. I could empathize with his plight, and that of his younger cousin.
I think what I liked most about the novella was that the story wasn't rushed. It took its time. The author lets you get to know the characters before throwing you into the nitty gritty of the plot, and she isn't heavy-handed about the delicate issue of sexual orientation.
I found this novella at a good price on Amazon.
What a read! I'll be honest, this type of story isn't usually my cup of tea. I don't really like literary fiction much - I tend to read more fantasy and biographies. But, I had to write a review for this little novella because of how much it impressed me!
The story centers around a young boy who is confused about his identity. I felt a nice connection with his character, maybe because I could remember what it was like to be that age. I could empathize with his plight, and that of his younger cousin.
I think what I liked most about the novella was that the story wasn't rushed. It took its time. The author lets you get to know the characters before throwing you into the nitty gritty of the plot, and she isn't heavy-handed about the delicate issue of sexual orientation.
I found this novella at a good price on Amazon.
The story centers around a young boy who is confused about his identity. I felt a nice connection with his character, maybe because I could remember what it was like to be that age. I could empathize with his plight, and that of his younger cousin.
I think what I liked most about the novella was that the story wasn't rushed. It took its time. The author lets you get to know the characters before throwing you into the nitty gritty of the plot, and she isn't heavy-handed about the delicate issue of sexual orientation.
I found this novella at a good price on Amazon.
What a read! I'll be honest, this type of story isn't usually my cup of tea. I don't really like literary fiction much - I tend to read more fantasy and biographies. But, I had to write a review for this little novella because of how much it impressed me!
The story centers around a young boy who is confused about his identity. I felt a nice connection with his character, maybe because I could remember what it was like to be that age. I could empathize with his plight, and that of his younger cousin.
I think what I liked most about the novella was that the story wasn't rushed. It took its time. The author lets you get to know the characters before throwing you into the nitty gritty of the plot, and she isn't heavy-handed about the delicate issue of sexual orientation.
I found this novella at a good price on Amazon.
February 2, 2015
I just finished reading this book and when I finished, I'll be honest, I wanted to cry. This book was very good. It is different from the mystery books I always read but when I read the summary, I could not resist. The style of the book was t like, how can I say this, the point of view of Jacob was so life like. I also enjoyed how the author was telling the story as from the future. Jacob would think to himself how in the future, this one thing would change or would not matter. But, in all this was a very good book and loved the imagery of the paintings Macon drew.
March 8, 2013
a nice summer read
April 2, 2019
Book 22/55: The Sickroom by Shayna Krishnasamy. Eighty kobo pages full of emotions. Raw, unadulterated feelings exposed on paper (or electronic device in this case). I really enjoyed this quick read, a nice coming of age book that really teaches one about the harder lessons in childhood without delving in too deep.
January 23, 2018
Good quick read. Subject matter was ... sad. Makes you think how other's actions can effect you, even years later. Effects some more than others. Subject I know all too well ...
December 21, 2011
I love reading up-and-coming Canadian authors, and this one didn’t disappoint! What I liked most about the story was the tone. It was full of melancholy. I think the author really captured that moment in late childhood when you don’t really know who you are, or what you are, but you know you’ll have to decide soon. It’s a sad time in life for some – the end of childhood – and this is what the story focuses on. I liked Macon, the little cousin with a gift for painting, and the world she and Jacob live in for that one summer.
This is one passage that I especially enjoyed because of the juxtaposition of Macon's elation and Jacob's betrayal:
"The plan was a success. Together, later, we celebrated with a stack of toffee crunches Aunt Vera had baked the day before, five each. She told me she would start painting the next morning, and the way she said it, so eager, made my insides ache. She didn’t know that I hardly cared, that I’d found a faster, better game to play. She didn’t know yet—as she filled her bulging cheeks with sweets, high with sugar and triumph—that I’d already left her behind."
The ending is a little tragic and very real. Time fast-forwards six years and you see the characters thrown together for a short time, now grown-up. I liked how Macon was painted as an apathetic teenager, while Jacob is drunk and silly. It was a nice contrast to their relationship when they were younger.
All in all, I highly recommend this novella!
This is one passage that I especially enjoyed because of the juxtaposition of Macon's elation and Jacob's betrayal:
"The plan was a success. Together, later, we celebrated with a stack of toffee crunches Aunt Vera had baked the day before, five each. She told me she would start painting the next morning, and the way she said it, so eager, made my insides ache. She didn’t know that I hardly cared, that I’d found a faster, better game to play. She didn’t know yet—as she filled her bulging cheeks with sweets, high with sugar and triumph—that I’d already left her behind."
The ending is a little tragic and very real. Time fast-forwards six years and you see the characters thrown together for a short time, now grown-up. I liked how Macon was painted as an apathetic teenager, while Jacob is drunk and silly. It was a nice contrast to their relationship when they were younger.
All in all, I highly recommend this novella!
July 12, 2016
This is a novella so it didn't take very long to read. It's about a young teenage boy who is spending the summer with his cousins. He gets ill and during his illness, bonds with a younger female cousin who is a prodigy, she is a talented painter. He doesn't really fit in with the male cousins who tease him mercilessly but he ends up betraying his female cousin in his attempt at fitting in with the other boys. He tells the story from the point of view of an adult looking back. I really liked the story and would have enjoyed a full novel with these characters. We get hints of what happened to the boy and girl as they grew up a bit when one last encounter is described when they are in their late teens/early 20s
June 9, 2012
This is a quiet little novella--I'd classify it as literary fiction, or YA fiction. It's a moving story about an unusual friendship, but told in a non-sentimental way.
Besides adults, I feel like it would appeal to someone in the 12 year old range because the author writes about pre-teens in a realistic and serious way. And I remember liking intense, serious stories about friendship when I was that age. ;-)
Besides adults, I feel like it would appeal to someone in the 12 year old range because the author writes about pre-teens in a realistic and serious way. And I remember liking intense, serious stories about friendship when I was that age. ;-)
February 25, 2011
I REALLY liked the cover to this book, and I figured BY THE cover...that it might be interesting. Boy....was I WRONG! I really didn't understand the plot...I'm not sure it really had one? Was VERY disappointed. And The ONLY reason I gave it two stars, is because I DID like the cover! ;)
December 20, 2011
I highly recommend this novella. I read it in one sitting! It’s a great story about the hard choices that come with growing up and growing apart.
April 22, 2011
What a sad story. Shayna Krishnasamy is a fascinating new author. Can't wait for the next one.
December 20, 2011
Shayna Krishnasamy is a talented new voice in fiction! The Sickroom was great.
July 18, 2012
It was interesting and quirky. Something to think on.
July 26, 2012
I loved this. Beautifully written and engaging, with a touch of melancholy. I can't wait to read more from this author.
December 29, 2012
Really gripping and so well narrated! My very first Kobo read was a great success. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
July 2, 2023
I was honestly disappointed in this book. One of my friends raved about it but I don’t see the fuss. It was dull and it felt like it was not fully developed. It could have been better
April 23, 2012
Thank goodness this is a novella or I might have started really hating it.
I figured hey Canadian and new author. Cool. I'm sad to admit this predictable, overly dramatic story came out of my country.
This is my first official "I hated it" review. And yes it's harsh bit hey of your gonna give out flattery to great books then you gotta give on the awful side too.
The book has sooooo much foreshadowing that you already pretty much know what is going to happen. The narrator (the 'sick' boy) is pretentious and annoying. And as for sick, well if mono counts for needing a sickroom i would be afraid of what this author would call a cancer patients room.
It just didn't do it for me. It felt like an idea on the page that had potential but then nothing developed for plot and it just fell apart. (speaking of the only remotely interesting thing in the book, what's up with the boys home life, is never truly revealed.)
It's short. So I'd say if it interests you at all spend 2 hours reading it. And then go on to a favorite author right after. You'll need to remember what good literature is.
I figured hey Canadian and new author. Cool. I'm sad to admit this predictable, overly dramatic story came out of my country.
This is my first official "I hated it" review. And yes it's harsh bit hey of your gonna give out flattery to great books then you gotta give on the awful side too.
The book has sooooo much foreshadowing that you already pretty much know what is going to happen. The narrator (the 'sick' boy) is pretentious and annoying. And as for sick, well if mono counts for needing a sickroom i would be afraid of what this author would call a cancer patients room.
It just didn't do it for me. It felt like an idea on the page that had potential but then nothing developed for plot and it just fell apart. (speaking of the only remotely interesting thing in the book, what's up with the boys home life, is never truly revealed.)
It's short. So I'd say if it interests you at all spend 2 hours reading it. And then go on to a favorite author right after. You'll need to remember what good literature is.
June 25, 2012
Starting on a positive note, the story itself was really good and for this I would have rated the book 4 stars.
However, as another reviewer has said, it reads like a rough copy and if this book has done anything for me then it has made me realise the value of an editor. I was constantly irritated by grammatical errors, incorrect use of words such as 'their' instead of 'there', 'wretch instead of 'retch' and an obsessional use of parentheses. Whole paragraphs would be within parentheses and then sentences within them. I am not a grammatical expert by any means but I didn't feel that any of them were used correctly. The author appeared to be using them to indicate future happenings but it was just confusing and irritating.
The only reason I persevered with the book was because I had paid for it and once I'd got about halfway through I was able to get into the characters enough for the writing to be less of an irritation. Because the story itself was good I have given it 2 stars otherwise it would have been a 1.
However, as another reviewer has said, it reads like a rough copy and if this book has done anything for me then it has made me realise the value of an editor. I was constantly irritated by grammatical errors, incorrect use of words such as 'their' instead of 'there', 'wretch instead of 'retch' and an obsessional use of parentheses. Whole paragraphs would be within parentheses and then sentences within them. I am not a grammatical expert by any means but I didn't feel that any of them were used correctly. The author appeared to be using them to indicate future happenings but it was just confusing and irritating.
The only reason I persevered with the book was because I had paid for it and once I'd got about halfway through I was able to get into the characters enough for the writing to be less of an irritation. Because the story itself was good I have given it 2 stars otherwise it would have been a 1.
October 28, 2022
I thought this novella was okay. It had been on my list for a long time and I was looking forward to reading it. I must admit I was disappointed. The spelling and grammatical errors were distracting, but worse than that was the ending. It ended far too abruptly, I wasn't impressed. The story and the writing had me intrigued, but that left me wanting more than was delivered.
December 23, 2011
I've read hundreds of books, and always finish them, even if they aren't totally holding my attention. This one though, what in the world? I did not understand one bit of it, or enjoy at all. Put it away less than halfway through. Don't bother....
November 29, 2014
A quick read which was quite interesting due to the subject matter. There appeared to be a number of grammatical errors in the novella which spoiled it a little so overall an ok read but needs an edit.
August 11, 2016
I didn't like this book, it's not even worth writing a review for. I bought this book solely on others reviews. It's as boring as watching snow melt.
May 28, 2012
Aside from a couple of spelling and grammatical errors (maybe that was just the e-book version?), this was a decent and quick read.
November 30, 2012
A Grim Tale of an Youngster Neatly Adapted.
September 14, 2013
A quick read but as others have said this book could have done with an edit before publication.
January 19, 2015
Meh, this book was interesting but didn't really seem to pull together all the ideas to make it fluid. The whole back story with Jacob and how he got sick could have been done better.
February 10, 2013
It was good. A little pointless I thought, but somewhat entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews