Mark Haddon’s debut novel is in first person, narrated by an autistic, 15 year old boy, Christopher. The book starts with the incident of a dog being killed in Christopher’s neighborhood and how the boy tries to solve the mystery. One thing leads to another and the boy discovers many hidden truths about his own life.
The book reveals many details of an autistic boy - his likes and dislikes, his way of thinking etc.
He is very good at math but finds it difficult to understand people’s expressions and interpret what they are thinking.
He knows every prime number up to 7, 057 and hates to be touched or hugged.
He knows all the countries of the world and their capitals and has no understanding of human emotions.
He clears the A level math exam with A grade and has a rat for a pet.
He always carries a Swiss Army knife in his pocket. He hates the colours yellow and brown and doesn’t eat anything which is yellow or brown.
I have never come across an autistic person before and hence can’t judge whether author’s interpretation of an autistic boy is close to reality or not. But I was really surprised to get an insight into an autistic boy’s life.
A quote from the book which I liked:
’’I do not tell lies. Mother used to say that this was because I was a good person. But it is not because I am a good person. It is because I can’t tell lies.’’
The book has an easy flow. Its an easy read - short chapters, simple, non-ornate language. There are many pictures in the book that make it interesting. For people who like math, there is a solved math problem in the appendix.
The best thing I liked about the book is -- even though the narration is by a boy who has no idea of emotions, the book turns out be quite emotional. Though the boy does not say anything emotions, the book makes you feel sad. Another good thing about the book is its ending. I am usually disappointed by the ending of a book, but this book did not let me down. The book ends as smoothly as it reads.
All in all, a good book. Try it! If you like it - well and good. If you don’t, feel good for not wasting a lot of time on this!