“The Guest Room” by Chris Bohjalian –Mistakes that Shape Life

Some would argue that our identities are essentially confined to our collection of memories, to the important decisions we've made in our lives, and shaped by the mistakes that stay with us until the end of time (or until we get old enough to start forgetting).

In one way or another, we always learn something from the big errors we make and the catastrophes we cause, but not everyone is lucky enough to escape from their own misfortune unscathed, as is the case in The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian.

The book begins as we are introduced to Richard and Kristin Chapman, a relatively happy couple, with the former preparing to organize a bachelor party for his brother. Without too much of a protest, Kristin agreed to take their daughter away for the evening so the men can have their fun.

Though Kristin did expect a bit of debauchery, she never imagined how far they would take things, that her husband would have a defining intimate moment in the titular guest room, or that two women would stab their bodyguards to death before vanishing into the night.

As the next morning comes, Kristin and Richard see their life spiral out of control as their home becomes a crime scene and Richard is put on indefinite leave by his banking firm... not to mention the infidelity Kristin probably won't forgive him for.

While the Chapmans try to hold their communal life together, the dark-haired Alexandra who Richard approached at the party has her first taste of freedom in a long time... but it's soured by her now being on the run from both the police and the mafia.

As you can tell, there are two fundamental storylines to follow in this novel: that of the family dealing with the aftermath of some terrible judgement, and that of the prostitute who escapes the grasp of her tormentors.

While at the beginning the two threads seem to be far enough apart from each other, as the plot progresses they do eventually intertwine, drawing the reader further and further down a path where hope and justice seem less and less like actual possibilities.

Indeed, this book is rather dark in its themes, dealing with human trafficking, child prostitution and upper class decadence, just to name a few. It can perhaps be said that the violence in this book is mostly of a psychological nature, with more focus being placed on the horrors which can afflict the mind.

The characters in The Guest Room are developed in a lot of depth, with Bohjalian doing his utter best to present people who feel real, people we can connect with on multiple levels, whether it's through our understanding of their pain or their hopes and dreams.

We slowly become more and more acquainted with what takes place inside their minds, and perhaps more importantly, the changes that they end up going through as life drags them through the meat grinder. The development is deep and detailed, often driving the story forward as much as the plot elements themselves.

To turn our focus to the plot (or plots, as it may be), both of them raise enough engaging questions to keep you intrigued and entertained until the end.

How will Richard answer to his family and community about his house being a crime scene?

Will his life and reputation be able to take such a hit?

Will they manage to save their relationship?

Who is after Alexandra?

How far are they willing to go? How did she end up at that party in the first place?

And the most important question of all, will anyone ever be able to lead a semblance of a normal life again?

While there are plenty of events unfolding, they never feel abrupt or like they're coming too soon; the pace is just about average, moving things along quickly enough not to get boring, but still taking the time the develop the settings and characters.

All things said and done, The Guest Room is a very interesting and engaging novel, one that can both keep you entertained and push you into deep thinking at the same time. It is heavy in its subject matter, but that only gives it that much more impact as a meditation on morality.

If you are into stories that combines good character development, criminal suspense and family drama, then you should definitely give this novel a chance.

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Chris Bohjalian Personal site Chris Bohjalian is an American novelist born in New York, and whose novels generally focus on a specific issue in our world, such as animal rights and homelessness, driven by flawed and complex characters. He wrote more than fifteen novels at this point, including Midwives and The Sandcastle Girls, which are both bestsellers.