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A review by jcinf
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Being autistic myself, I searched Reddit forums for books with autistic main characters. That’s where this book came recommended.
I’m glad I read it because it touched me to read about a character so similar to me. The overstimulation, hyperfixations, looking for order in a chaotic world, safe foods, significant stress when plans change (or when there is no plan). So much of Christopher was so similar to me. It was a gift to see myself represented.
That said, it wasn’t the best representation of an autistic boy. There were times it felt like it was just the author’s uneducated idea of what autism was.
In terms of pace, the first 2/3 was pretty fast pace, and last 1/3 was a little slower. That said, I did feel like the ending was quite abrupt. I thought I had two more pages left, but it was just the appendix. So once I read the ending, it seemed too quick. I don’t mind the ending itself — as in the resolution. But I do think the resolution could’ve used 4-8 more pages perhaps.
If you’re looking for a fast read, especially one with a neurodivergent main character, I’d recommend this one.
I’m glad I read it because it touched me to read about a character so similar to me. The overstimulation, hyperfixations, looking for order in a chaotic world, safe foods, significant stress when plans change (or when there is no plan). So much of Christopher was so similar to me. It was a gift to see myself represented.
That said, it wasn’t the best representation of an autistic boy. There were times it felt like it was just the author’s uneducated idea of what autism was.
In terms of pace, the first 2/3 was pretty fast pace, and last 1/3 was a little slower. That said, I did feel like the ending was quite abrupt. I thought I had two more pages left, but it was just the appendix. So once I read the ending, it seemed too quick. I don’t mind the ending itself — as in the resolution. But I do think the resolution could’ve used 4-8 more pages perhaps.
If you’re looking for a fast read, especially one with a neurodivergent main character, I’d recommend this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Animal death and Toxic relationship