The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian - ★★★★★ and ❤

[John]

When Richard Chapman, a talented investment banker, agrees to host his brother's bachelor's party at his home and a friend of his brother agrees to find the "entertainment" his life quickly spirals out of control. Richard's wife agrees to the party and, believing "boys will be boys", sequesters herself and their nine-year old daughter at her mother's in Manhatten for the night. The entertainment, unknown to all the men, are possibly underage Armenian sex-slaves who are guarded by their Russian bodyguards. The night's shenanigans escalate into an orgy with Richard and his brother being escorted upstairs for a "bonus." However, Richard does not have sex with one of the prostitues named Alexandria but returns with her after hearing some of her story. Shortly after joining the other men downstairs, a brawl between the girls and the Russian criminals breaks out ending up with both of the bodyguards murdered and the girls fleeing into the night. For the next week, Richard's continued marriage and occupation is tenuous. The remainder of the book alternates between narration of Richard's family and Alexandria relating the story of her enslavement.

When I pick up a book by Chris Bohjailian I never know what genre I will read. It could be contemporary fiction, horror or historical fiction. I do know that it will be educational and well-researched. If you like Jodi Piccoult's novels, you will like this book since like Picoult, it contains a bit of social commentary. In this case, it is about human trafficking and how young girls become sex slaves. I listened to this book, which I would recommend if you have the opportunity. I am not which of two actors narrated the voice of Alexandria but it perfectly portrayed her innocence and powerlessness.

[Amy]

I read the book earlier this year. At the time I really wanted to talk to folks about it. Privately of course, so there should be no spoilers. I can’t imagine hearing this one and audio. I think that would’ve been very hard. I did like it though. I thought it was well done.

[John]

Amy wrote: "I read the book earlier this year. At the time I really wanted to talk to folks about it. Privately of course, so there should be no spoilers. I can’t imagine hearing this one and audio. I think th..."

Listening to it did bring tears to my eyes.

[Peacejanz]

I read this book when it first came out and I loved it. Could not get my friends and co-readers interested. I am glad it has surfaced. I think it may have been his best work, because of the info about sex trafficking. Awful ending as I remember. Maybe that is why people do not love it? Thanks for the review and for not disclosing any spoilers. peace, janz

[Peacejanz]

Amy wrote: "I read the book earlier this year. At the time I really wanted to talk to folks about it. Privately of course, so there should be no spoilers. I can’t imagine hearing this one and audio. I think th..."

I can talk to you privately (Messenger) about this. peace, janz

[LibraryCin]

Wow, I like Bohjalian, and this sounds really good. Guess I'll be adding it to the tbr!

ETA: It's already there!

[Amy]

We did Janz!!!! We had a whole interesting conversation! I can remember every word. Professional hazard - lol!

[Peacejanz]

It is not my professional hazard - it is my old age hazard. Now that you remind me, I remember we talked about it. You are too cool, Amy, and what a memory!! What are you reading now? Maybe we need to talk about that. peace, janz

[Amy]

I meant to quite a few mystery thrillers. I just finished the last flight. And now I’m onto the golden couple. This helps me balance out my nonfiction Madame Fourcade!