A review by davethescot
The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

A searing look inside the USA's industrial grade penal system. Kushner paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities and injustices faced by incarcerated women. The women are portrayed with depth and humanity, making her journey both compelling and heart-wrenching. The novel doesn't shy away from criticizing the systemic failures of the criminal justice system. Kushner weaves in themes of poverty, addiction, and abuse, highlighting how these factors contribute to the cycles of crime and incarceration. The bleak and often grim tone of the novel might not appeal to everyone. While the realism adds to the story's impact, it can also make for a heavy and sombre reading experience.