The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon (Hardcover)

Description

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” is a critically acclaimed novel written by Mark Haddon. Published in 2003, the book is narrated by Christopher John Francis Boone, a 15-year-old boy who describes himself as “a mathematician with some behavioral difficulties.” Christopher is on the autism spectrum, although it is not explicitly mentioned in the book.

The story begins when Christopher discovers the dead body of his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, speared by a garden fork. As an avid fan of detective novels and with a keen interest in logic and mathematics, Christopher decides to investigate the incident and find out who killed Wellington. He chronicles his investigation in a book he writes, which becomes the novel itself.

As Christopher delves into the mystery, he uncovers a series of secrets and truths that extend far beyond the dog’s death. His pursuit of the truth leads him to question the people around him, including his father, with whom he has a strained relationship. Christopher’s investigation takes him on a journey that challenges his understanding of the world, tests his limits, and ultimately brings him face to face with his own fears and vulnerabilities.

The novel offers a unique perspective into the mind of someone on the autism spectrum. Through Christopher’s narration, readers gain insight into his way of thinking, his struggles with social interactions, and his affinity for patterns and logical reasoning. The book also explores themes of truth, trust, family dynamics, and the complexities of human emotions.

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” received widespread praise for its authentic portrayal of an autistic protagonist and its insightful exploration of the human condition. It won several prestigious awards, including the Whitbread Book Awards for Best Novel and the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book. The novel has resonated with readers worldwide and continues to be regarded as a remarkable work of contemporary literature.