In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, 15-year-old
Christopher Boone is in a special school. He is a literal thinker and doesn’t
understand social cues. Also, he can be aggressive and has an aversion to being
touched, and anything yellow, brown, or unknown. On the other hand, he has an eidetic
memory and excels in science and math. He finds new people incomprehensible and
frightening, but with the encouragement of his teacher Siobhan, he wants to
solve a murder, write a novel, and become a scientist. An encouraging view of
Autism.
Christopher narrates the book (this is the novel that he is writing). Through the narration the reader shares Christopher’s view of the world. His logic and literal mind allow him to be self-aware and “special.” For example, he avoids anything yellow or brown, and has logical reasons for this, but also realizes that this is not normal. He can adjust… “And I didn’t like the ticket being half yellow, but I had to keep it because it was my train ticket.”
Christopher’s first challenge is the murder of his neighbor, Mrs. Shear’s dog. He collects evidence logically and does his best to emulate Sherlock Holmes. Collecting evidence requires him to leave his comfort zone. He talks to strangers and goes to places he’s never been before.
Christopher never tells a lie. I said, “Yes. I always tell the truth.” This is part of his rigid behavior, but, when necessary, he can find logic to justify half-truths as white lies.
When he needs to travel to London, he is pushed way out of his comfort zone. Much of the book is about the conflict between his determination (solve the murder, write his novel, take the A-level exams, go to London) and his personality (fear of noise, small spaces, crowds, being touched, new toilets…). It is inspiring to see him overcoming his self-imposed difficulties.
An encouraging book of bravery and logic.
P.S. I identify with Christopher.
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