Rooms: A Novel

Minna, Trenton and Caroline arrive at the home of the recently deceased Richard Walker. Minna is bitter and dismissive about her father’s death. Caroline, Richard’s ex-wife, complains and drinks constantly. Angsty teen Trenton is fixated on killing himself, even after he discovers he has inherited the house. The ghosts of the home’s previous owners all watch with interest as the trio becomes unravelled at the daunting task of purging the home of Richard’s possessions.

Oliver has proven to be an expert storyteller, deftly weaving together Minna, Trenton and Caroline’s pasts, as well as the stories of the ghosts and their untimely demises. It’s interesting how Oliver makes the ghosts become a part of the house and part of the lives of the living. Parts of the characters’ pasts are truly shocking, making the reader more sympathetic to their present state. To those who love impactful fiction, keep an eye on Oliver. She is a bright and promising voice in modern fiction.