contact us

Use the form on the right to contact us.

You can edit the text in this area, and change where the contact form on the right submits to, by entering edit mode using the modes on the bottom right.


Toronto
Canada

Nick Pateras | The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime

BOOK REVIEW

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time – Mark Haddon

A lovably charming weekend read 

41DK+wHWuGL._SX329_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

        Simultaneously published in different editions for adults and children, this book is a splendid read that can be enjoyed by readers of any age. It follows the adventure of a mathematically gifted fifteen-year-old boy in the English town of Swindon. Christopher suffers from a social disorder that prevents him from understanding behavioural norms but also allows him to perceive things in a way others can’t (as is so often the case with similar social conditions). Because the plot is quite compressed, I fear giving away any plot points would be too much of a spoiler so I shall avoid the temptation and instead remark that this story, like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, is touching in its genuine sensitivity.

"I like dogs. Dogs are faithful and they do not lie because they cannot talk."

          Haddon keeps his writing quite simple, appealing to grown-ups without isolating his younger readers. Humorous, painful and awkward, the novel holds the readers’ hand through Christopher’s experiences and his interpretations – often very different to that of a normal person’s – of his surroundings. These types of books I appreciate so much for opening my eyes to the perception of those who struggle with mental or social conditions. The sole negative of the book with which I was disappointed was its rather abrupt finale: though the ending was clear enough to interpret, I almost felt as though Haddon had frantically rushed the last few pages in order to meet his publisher’s deadline. Despite the curtain falling in rather anticlimactic fashion, I don’t believe the shadow it cast was enough to taint what was otherwise a wholly enjoyable story about a young boy’s bravery and inimitable outlook.

-NP, Dec. 2013