The Recently Read posts are not typical book reviews. As a writer, I do not believe I should be reviewing the hard work of other writers. These posts are simply books I have recently read and enjoyed and will share with you. They will not always be crime books as I am trying to widen my reading selection. I hope you enjoy some of these with me.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is a murder mystery novel like no other. The detective, and narrator, is Christopher Boone. Christopher is fifteen and has Asperger’s Syndrome. He knows a very great deal about maths and very little about human beings. He loves lists, patterns and the truth. He hates the colours yellow and brown and being touched. He has never gone further than the end of the road on his own, but when he finds a neighbour’s dog murdered he sets out on a terrifying journey which will turn his whole world upside down.
My Thoughts;
I don’t know where to start. I absolutely loved the book.
From the point of view of a child -Christopher- on the autistic spectrum, it starts with the murder of a neighbours dog and Christopher’s need to find out who killed it. Along the way we learn a lot about him through his internal dialogue.
Christopher is exceedingly intelligent. He’s a maths whiz, taking his A levels when his school isn’t ready for him too. He takes solace at stressful times in maths problems.
We see very simply what things affect him and in the reading, it’s a little easier to understand the why, and my hope would be that anyone reading this book would take away from it patience and kindness if coming across a stranded boy like Christopher, unlike some of the characters in this book.
Haddon’s writing is clear and simple and transports you into the world of Christopher easily. When Christopher was shocked and scared I felt it with him.
It was a great read and I’d definitely recommend it. I know it’s been around for a while and I’m probably one of the last people to read it, but all the same, a great book!
cleopatralovesbooks says
I read this some time ago and totally agree with your comments. The simplicity of the writing meant that the story felt more powerful.
Rebecca Bradley says
Powerful is a great word for it. And it’s a book I could read again.
Prashant C. Trikannad says
I enjoy reading good YA fiction having grown up with the Hardy Boys, so I know I’ll enjoy reading this book, especially since I’ve never quite come across a character like Christopher Boone.
Rebecca Bradley says
I’m really starting to love YA right now. It covers some great subjects and isn’t bound by genre.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
I’m sure it brings new awareness how someone with that syndrome thinks as well. Funny title.
Rebecca Bradley says
I think it does. And it’s an eye catching title isn’t it.
Margot Kinberg says
Rebecca – Isn’t it a terrific read? I really like the way we learn things in this novel – through Christiopher’s viewpoint. I think that’s very effective. And I like the way the characters unfold too. So glad you enjoyed this.
Rebecca Bradley says
I loved it Margot! In fact I could very probably read it again at some point.
Linda King says
I read this so long ago you’ve just prompted me to re-read it! Going on the holiday pile 🙂
Rebecca Bradley says
Great! I think I will probably re-read it again at some point. It’s one of those books that you can re-read and find that you see something different within it.
Jacqui Murray says
Love the sound of this book.
Rebecca Bradley says
It’s wonderful Jacqui.
Carol Balawyder says
Rebecca, I read this book last fall and I think that you did a really good review of the book. I really liked the idea of a mystery centering around a dead dog. And also that the child is autistic adds another interesting layer to it.
Rebecca Bradley says
Thank you Carol. It really is a great book and from a wonderful angle. A dead dog starting it all. It’s a book I could and probably will read again.
chrisb-jwordsandimages says
Not read it yet, but looking forward to doing so. Thanks for the review.
Rebecca Bradley says
Let me know if you do read it and what you thought. I gave it to my mum yesterday along with some other books.
Fainting Goat says
this is one of my fav books ever, may just read it again now 🙂 beautiful
Matthew (Bibliofreak.net) says
It’s such a simple, accessible, yet really engrossing book; A YA triumph before YA had really taken off! I’m glad you enjoyed it – I’m a big fan too, and, having re-read the book recently, still like it as much as I did originally.
My review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon