Mark Haddon, the author of this book, has worked with autistic individuals.
The view he presents of an autistic individual’s mind in probably as accurate
as a picture we can ever get.
The main protagonist of this movie is Christopher Francis Boone.
He loves prime numbers. He like the colour red and hates yellow
and brown (’’ .. looks like poo...’’)
He is interested in Maths and is all set to give his A levels.
He lives with his father in Swindon and his mother has died from a
heart attack.
The book begins with Boone finding his neighbours dog killed with a pitchfork.
Accused of the murder he decides that he will find out who the killer is.
Inspired by his hero Sherlock Holmes he sets out on an investigation.
Encouraged by his teacher Siobhan, he also starts writing a book.
Hence, ’The Strange Incident.....’ is first hand account by Boone as to the events
leading to and after the murder of the dog.
The book is imaginatively written by Haddon.
The chapter numbers are prime numbers
instead of the normal 1, 2, 3 and the book is
full of mathematical goobledegook.
The mind of the autistic is presented to the reader in form
of the many tangents the book keeps going into.
Although few readers might get bored at some points in the book
one must understand that this is what autism is all about.
The inability to understand emotion, having a mind which looks
at the world literally is what defines this book.
This is an interesting book and I strongly recommend to all.