By Beth Percy
“I like dogs. You always know what a dog is thinking. It has four moods. Happy, sad, cross and concentrating. Also, dogs are faithful and they do not tell lies because they cannot talk.”
Mark haddon
Overview:
ISBN: 9780099450252
Author: Mark Haddon
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Publication date: May 2003
Page count: 274
Plot Summary (No spoilers)
Christopher, a 15 year old boy with Asperger’s, finds that his next door neighbour’s dog has been murdered. He endeavours to find the killer and bring them to justice as it is the right thing to do. Using his love of Sherlock Holmes’ logical thinking, Christopher investigates the street and its inhabitants – whether they want to be investigated or not is another thing entirely. Along the way, he discovers some truths that he wasn’t expecting to find.
An endearing and, at times, sad look at the world through a new and innocent perspective.
Thoughts
- The diagrams/drawings used throughout really helps illustrate Christopher’s thought process. Particularly the smiley faces at the start really translate and explain how he doesn’t understand certain stuff due to his Asperger’s.
- The tone really makes you sympathetic for Christopher and really highlights how needlessly complicated and often unfair life can be. You just want someone to just listen to him!
- The often simple statements are very effective in both gut-punch moments and comedy.
- Whilst certain plot twists weren’t entirely unexpected, the emotional impact of their reveals were exceptionally strong. It is believable as Christopher’s perspective, but also effectively conveys the mixture of emotions and conflicts within each adult.
- The book is commended for its thoughtful representation of Christopher’s condition and I 100% agree. This isn’t just a story with a character who happens to have Asperger’s; the murder would not have been investigated and solved without Christopher and his unique perspective on the world.
- Toby is the best character.
Critical Reception
Won:
The Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize
The Whitbread Book of the Year Award
The Alex Award
10/10 would recommend
Fun fact: there is both a children’s edition (clean) and an adults edition (has swear words).
Adaptations:
It was adapted into a stage play for the National Theatre in 2012 by Simon Stephens in collaboration with Frantic Assembly – a physical theatre company run by Stephen Hoggett and Scott Graham. They brought a whole new dimension to the story using their unique blend of theatre, movement and sound to not only enhance the story but to also illustrate Christopher’s inner world. The production won many awards and went on to perform in the West End and on Broadway.
It is also being considered for a film adaptation.
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