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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time | 
 enlarge | Author: Mark Haddon
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Category: Book
List Price: £10.99
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Avg. Customer Rating:  453 reviews
Sales Rank: 315073
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 224
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8.6 x 5.9 x 1.3
ISBN: 0385605870
EAN: 9780385605878
ASIN: 0385605870
Publication Date: May 1, 2003
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
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Amazon.co.uk Review
The title The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (or the curious incident of the dog in the night-time as it appears within the book) is an appropriate one for Mark Haddon's ingenious novel both because of its reference to that most obsessive and fact-obsessed of detectives, Sherlock Holmes, and because its lower-case letters indicate something important about its narrator. Christopher is an intelligent youth who lives in the functional hinterland of autism--every day is an investigation for him because of all the aspects of human life that he does not quite get. When the dog next door is killed with a garden fork, Christopher becomes quietly persistent in his desire to find out what has happened and tugs away at the world around him until a lot of secrets unravel messily. Haddon makes an intelligent stab at how it feels to, for example, not know how to read the faces of the people around you, to be perpetually spooked by certain colours and certain levels of noise, to hate being touched to the point of violent reaction. Life is difficult for the difficult and prickly Christopher in ways that he only partly understands; this avoids most of the obvious pitfalls of novels about disability because it demands that we respect--perhaps admire--him rather than pity him. --Roz Kaveney
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| Customer Reviews: Read 448 more reviews...
 Language!! January 7, 2009
I bought this book for my 11 year old daughter after reading the reviews and noting that the book had won a Whitbread award. Although the storyline included the ever popular animal/pet content, I was intrigued by the narration being from a child who has Asperger's Syndrome. Having had contact in a School, where I have volunteered as a parent helper, with a child who has this condition I thought it might add a interesting slant to the story.
The problem i have with this book is the foul language coming from a character...the Policeman!
If I had known that my 11 year old would have to read such words in her leisure/bedtime reading I would have had second thought about buying it!
Fair enough if you don't mind the swearing content, but in my opinion, Kids are subjected to such things so soon these days without having to read such words before bed.
 Fantastic Read! January 6, 2009
Mark Haddon's `The Curious Incident' is narrated by Christopher Boone, a fifteen year old boy with Asperger's syndrome. The story is begins when Christopher finds Mrs Shears dog dead on her lawn, this experience becomes the plot to his detective story in which he aims to find the killer. However he is encouraged not to continue writing his story, when questioning his neighbours uncovers more information than it should.
Language is simple yet his ideas are complex, humour is created by how those around Christopher deal with such forthrightness. It is imperative that all information about his day to day activities are expressed which educates the reader about Asperger's syndrome as well as helping us to understand what both Christopher and his family have to cope with on a daily basis.
Although unable to understand human emotion, ironically he touches readers through his honest approach to life and events that take place. It is refreshing to see things through the characters eyes; the reader is able to form a fondness for Christopher which makes us want to protect him from what will result in him finding out that he has been lied to by his father about his mother. Although Chrisopher is unable to feel anger and upset, it is the reader that experiences the hurt he cannot understand for himself.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; there were no dull moments as Christopher continuously brings new ideas into every chapters mix. Mark Haddon has successfully written a book which captures readers throughout. I found this book refreshing, funny yet powerful. The book was an enjoyment to read, I did not want it to end. Every page brought smiles and new experiences for the reader. An inspiring and stimulating read, I recommend this title to those seeking high quality literatures.
 Intriguing and intresting! Definitely worth a peek! January 6, 2009
This book was unlike any other book that I have ever read! Usually this type of story is not one of my favourite reads as I do not find it light, entertaining and easy, however, I find myself reluctantly warming to this book the more I reflect upon it. It took some time before I got use to its very logical and structured style, but was rewarded with a heart warming plot and inspiring (if yet predictable) ending.
This story illustrates the way in which a young teenager suffering with asperger's syndrome (a form of autism), conducts his life and how he deals with every day emotional situations which he does not understand. It begins with the murder of a dog which quickly spirals into an investigation which helps coax the main character, Christopher Boone, into some unfamiliar and brave situations.
It is written directly from Christopher's perspective offering readers the opportunity to see the world through his eyes. A constant stream of perfect logic, numbers and truth throughout the book aids the reader to make sense of the confusing actions behind an almost robotic mind. Although the simplicity of the book undeniably means that it is suitable for children, it also appeals to adults who have had experience with people suffering from some form of autism. This is the first book of its kind which offers the public a rare and golden chance to understand and appreciate the difficulties that autistic people deal with.
This is definitely an extraordinary read for those who are willing to open up and experience the life of an exceptionally intelligent, if yet different growing boy. A revolutionary book which should definitely be recognised for its originality; providing insight into one of life's mysteries that people find difficult to understand or push aside altogether.
review 1 January 5, 2009
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book is a simple yet intellectual novel, written by a child whose life is accompanied by autism. Mark Haddon creates the story through the distorted mind of Christopher Boone, and how an autistic child deals with situations differently to that of a normal human being. The novel opens with his neighbour's dog being killed by a garden fork. Boone anxiously adopts a `Sherlock Holmes' persona and secretly tries to unravel the murder mystery, which in turn, concludes to be a lot closer to home than he originally thought. Although this specific incident leads to an investigation, it is clear that Haddon depicts the frustration and desire of Boone as in his everyday life he investigates into human aspects of life to try and make sense of them from a normal human being's perspective.
This heartfelt novel warms the audience to understanding the lifestyle of an autistic child and gives the audience an insight into the complex morals and issues associated with Christopher Boone. The bravery and courage of such a young boy drives the audience to empathise with the character, most importantly when he sets off on his journey to find his `dead' mother in London.
Furthermore, the language is so simplistic that the audience are vicariously living through Boone's experiences and knowledge. The language helps to emphasise the simplicity of his life.
Overall, although the literal reading of the novel was easy going, the morals and ways in which the novel was written gave the book credibility in order for the audience to progress their knowledge in understanding a different way of life. At the same time, the actual plot created empathy towards Christopher, making the relationship between the reader and the narrator more personal.
Must Read January 4, 2009
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book has changed my perception of those with a challenging mental condition - and has given me a dramatic insight into how we are perceived by them.
Mark Haddon's writing was very convincing as the storyteller, Christopher, who has Asperger's syndrome, which I had to continually remind myself of that he was not a sufferer himself. Haddon took on the characteristics, thinking and behaviour of the narrator exceptionally, bringing revelation, pathos and humour to every page.
The structure of the life Asperger's suffers need is extremely well illustrated within the plot; Christopher craves order and reliability in his life but the story line serves up a number of sub plots that challenge both Christopher and the reader. Life is taken very literally by suffers of Asperger's; this is what results in the unfolding the special world Christopher inhabits. There is a clear and fascinating distinction between meanings taken on by sufferers and the majority of the population, one of which might never have been considered.
This book is a great read, telling the story about family life with its highs and lows and the impact it has on a boy growing up with a mental handicap but yet an amazing mathematic gift. It provides a new perspective into everyday forms and functions of mundane elements such as meals, schools, neighbours and transportation, giving the reader real identification with the characters and events. It also has an element of mystery within the story, a "who done it in suburbia" with some great and exciting surprises along the way.
It is a very easy read with the added dimension of insight and sympathy into a condition I could never have known. This book changed my view of the world.
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