Title : I enjoyed this unusual book
Review :
This book is an unusual story told from the perspective of a fifteen year-old with ’’special’’ talents. After researching reviews and author bio’s on the internet there was little chance that I would not read it.
A few days ago, I walked into a bookstore. There it was. And here I am writing my 2nd review on MouthShut.
This book would be on my top 10 all time list but for one small flaw. The book is so VERY exceptional that one episode in it -- a more ordinary style episode about the protagonist venturing into the outside world (the trip to London) -- breaks the fabric that is otherwise ’’over the top’’ and extraordinarily well presented.
It’s really not fair to devalue this ingenious work just because of a lapse into the ordinary, but somehow the London trip episode worked that way for me.
Still, after finishing it, I have kept a special glow and admiration of the author.
I would imagine that anyone who spends a lot of time with teens or youngsters might not enjoy this book as much as I did. Some of the experiences might not be new and fresh for people whose vocations touch the subject matter. Plus, you might have to be in a receptive mood to fully appreciate ’’The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’’ -- it’s not sloppily sentimental, however. It IS a bit heart in the mouth, though.
But it’s not manipulative or schmaltzy in any way. As a matter of fact the first person character who is telling the story is incapable of understanding most human emotions due to a medical condition related to autism.
’’The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’’ is entertaining and clever and reads like lightening. Considering the device of having an adolescent with special talents narrate the story, the author is to be highly commended in not having taken any liberties so far as using the premise for literary trickery or or exploiting the circumstances in an opportunistic way. His understanding of the medical condition and basic respect for humanity (including the reader’s) lends reality and utter seriousness to the work; there is nothing provided just for gratuitous dramatic effect. The reader would be hard pressed to object to any of the happenstance resulting from the protagonist’s special abilities.
I think the best review I found on the internet (better than I could do here) says nearly everything you need to know if you are considering reading this special book. Here’s the ’’headline’’ from that review and the URL. After reading the John Walsh’s review (see below) , I’m sure you will consider reading the book.
If you read it, your friends might wonder why they are getting a few extra hugs from you ! !
Mark Haddon: THIS YEAR’S BIG READ A ’difficult’ novel whose teenage narrator is incapable of expressing emotion is already being hailed as a literary classic to rank with the greats - and will be seen on every Mediterranean beach towel this summer. John Walsh explains how the uniquely beguiling Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time struck publishing gold.
HERE’S the URL for ’’this year’s big read’’ : https://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/books/interviews/story.jsp?story=483360
If John Walsh’s description appeals to you at all, you will most likely be pleasantly surprised with ’’The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’’ -- a book unlike any other, one that is somehow both loving and fun.
Jerry