"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon is the story of an autistic boy's quest to solve the mystery of who killed Wellington, a neighbourhood dog, and ultimately, his quest to be understood and comfortable in this highly sensory and communicative world.
The style is very simple, but this is necessary to make the condition of the narrator seem plausible. Not only is Christopher cited as the narrator, but also the supposed "writer" of this story. The plot is quite simple as well. But I think the reason for this book is to show, rather than tell, the effects of autism. I may not have learned anything new about the disorder. But the book does an excellent job of describing the intense challenges Christopher faces in his everyday life -- meeting new people, eating certain foods, navigating subway systems -- that most other people find effortless.
It is also a very convincing account of the difficulties faced by those surrounding the autistic individual. Christopher's parents are constantly struggling to keep him happy and under control. Christopher is bright, intelligent and thoughtful, but cannot handle new experiences, confined spaces etc. The reader really sympathises with the parents whose 15 year old son can start yelling and hitting without notice and who they cannot even comfort since he won't be touched.
The action of the book only really picks up three quarters through, which is disappointing. I found the train/subway adventure Christopher took from his home town to London really thrilling. At this point you understand all he is up against and know how easily he can fail. I was so relieved and surprised when he made it there.
The entire subplot of Christopher's mother's affair and later, remarry, is almost convincing. Christopher's complete loss of trust for his father (even thinking he will soon murder him) is heartbreaking. The ending is perhaps too perfect, but still satisfying.
The style is very simple, but this is necessary to make the condition of the narrator seem plausible. Not only is Christopher cited as the narrator, but also the supposed "writer" of this story. The plot is quite simple as well. But I think the reason for this book is to show, rather than tell, the effects of autism. I may not have learned anything new about the disorder. But the book does an excellent job of describing the intense challenges Christopher faces in his everyday life -- meeting new people, eating certain foods, navigating subway systems -- that most other people find effortless.
It is also a very convincing account of the difficulties faced by those surrounding the autistic individual. Christopher's parents are constantly struggling to keep him happy and under control. Christopher is bright, intelligent and thoughtful, but cannot handle new experiences, confined spaces etc. The reader really sympathises with the parents whose 15 year old son can start yelling and hitting without notice and who they cannot even comfort since he won't be touched.
The action of the book only really picks up three quarters through, which is disappointing. I found the train/subway adventure Christopher took from his home town to London really thrilling. At this point you understand all he is up against and know how easily he can fail. I was so relieved and surprised when he made it there.
The entire subplot of Christopher's mother's affair and later, remarry, is almost convincing. Christopher's complete loss of trust for his father (even thinking he will soon murder him) is heartbreaking. The ending is perhaps too perfect, but still satisfying.
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