Tolog Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time 
by Mark Haddon
reviewed by Jinan Al-Marayati

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is generally classified as a mystery novel, which is what it begins as. A young, teenage boy with the name of Christopher Boone tells the story. Mark Haddon does a very good job of depicting Christopher’s character when telling the story through the boy. Haddon did not necessarily write in the correct type of format, but he wrote perfectly as a young boy struggling with his autism. 

The story begins with an interesting scene. Originally, Christopher was writing the novel as a mystery, in which he would solve a curious murder that took place on his street. It was not any ordinary murder that he was investigating; he was looking into a murder of a dog. In his mind, it was an incident that absolutely had to be solved, and that is how this quite gripping novel began. Eventually, readers learn that Christopher’s mother previously passed away, and he was living with his father in Swindon, Wiltshire. Christopher inspects a bit too much to the point where it became intruding on his neighbor’s business. His father had enough and puts a stop to the entire plant of Christopher’s.

In contrast, the book does not end there. Later, intriguing information is revealed causing Chris to leave his home in Swindon and travel to London. A significant characteristic about Christopher is that he does not do well with areas in which he does not know well, conflicting with his autism. He definitely encountered several vigorous events that involved adults that were deeply judgmental and rude. Overall, he was never able to communicate correctly. He came through alive, but always challenged by his autism. Therefore, it was an intense journey for Christopher to overcome his fears and travel on his own.

At the end of the book, Mark Haddon ends it perfectly with the conclusion that since Christopher accomplished many things that is quite hard for an autistic boy to do, he has overcame his autism. It is a beautiful ending, with family beside him. Additionally, it shows that he gained a high level of self-confidence. He states at the end of the novel that since conquered almost all of his fears, he could practically do anything.

Mark Haddon did a wonderful job of capturing the idea that no matter the obstacle, anyone can face it. This novel shows an extent of mystery, family conflict, and forgiveness. It has touched the hearts of many with its grasping words of humility. The fact that it is not formally written made the novel more enthralling. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a great story that was written for all to read.