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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

A unique murder mystery narrated by a boy with Asperger's Syndrome.

Mark Haddon author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:1st Apr '04

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time cover

This unique murder mystery features Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old with Asperger's Syndrome, who embarks on a life-changing journey after discovering a neighbor's dog has been killed.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a unique murder mystery that captivates readers with its unconventional narrative. The story is told through the eyes of Christopher Boone, a fifteen-year-old boy with Asperger's Syndrome. Christopher possesses an exceptional talent for mathematics but struggles to understand the complexities of human emotions and interactions. His world is structured around lists, patterns, and a deep-seated aversion to certain colors and physical contact.

When Christopher discovers the lifeless body of a neighbor's dog, he embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the animal's death. This journey takes him far beyond the familiar confines of his home and into a world filled with challenges and revelations that ultimately reshape his understanding of family, trust, and himself. As he navigates through various obstacles, readers are given a glimpse into the mind of a young man who sees the world in a distinct and thought-provoking way.

The novel has received widespread acclaim, winning the Whitbread Book of the Year and being recognized as one of the Guardian's 100 Best Books of the 21st Century. Critics have praised Mark Haddon's portrayal of Christopher's perspective, noting its emotional depth and humor. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time stands out not only for its compelling mystery but also for its profound exploration of the human experience through the lens of a unique protagonist.

Wondrous...brilliantly inventive...dazzling. Not simply the most original novel I've read in years - it's also one of the best * The Times *
Exceptional by any standards. Both funny and deeply moving * Sunday Telegraph *
Outstanding. Heartening as well as richly entertaining. A stunningly good read * Independent *
Superbly realised. A funny as well as a sad book. Brilliant * Guardian *
A remarkable book. An impressive achievement and a rewarding read * Time Out *
A magical book. It's one of those books that makes you feel as though you have been on an emotional rollercoaster. * Carrie Grant, Sunday Express *
Brilliantly empathetic. Believe the hype: a brilliant, heart-warming book * Scotsman *
In telling a painful story in the voice of a 15-year-old boy with Asperger's, Haddon broadens ordinary minds and helps to understand how they work, too. * Daily Telegraph *
Mark Haddon's portrayal of an emotionally dissociated mind is a superb achievement. He is a wise and bleakly funny writer with rare gifts of empathy -- Ian McEwan
I have never read anything quite like Mark Haddon's funny and agonizingly honest book, or encountered a narrator more vivid and memorable. I advise you to buy two copies; you won't want to lend yours out * Arthur Golden, author of 'Memoirs of a Geisha' *

  • Winner of Booktrust Teenage Prize 2003
  • Short-listed for Whitbread Prize (Novel) 2003
  • Short-listed for Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2003

ISBN: 9780099450252

Dimensions: 197mm x 129mm x 19mm

Weight: 234g

288 pages