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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

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Mark Haddon

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

226

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Swindon, England • 1990s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

Lexile Level

1090L

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Super Short Summary

In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon, fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone, a brilliant teenage boy with Autism, discovers a neighbor's dog has been murdered and sets out to solve the mystery against his father's wishes, ultimately uncovering deeper family secrets and navigating personal challenges. The book includes discussions of domestic violence and infidelity.

Mysterious

Challenging

Emotional

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

1,545,789 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is widely praised for its unique perspective and compelling narrative. Critics commend the authentic depiction of autism and the engrossing mystery. However, some readers find the protagonist's voice limiting and the plot's resolution lacking depth. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that resonates emotionally and intellectually.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time?

Readers who enjoy The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon are typically fans of unique narrative voices and stories that explore autism. Comparable to those who appreciated The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer.

4.0

1,545,789 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

CHRISTOPHER JOHN FRANCIS BOONE

Christopher, a 15-year-old boy with high-functioning Autism, narrates the story in *The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time*. He loves routines, has a passion for mathematics and science, and finds comfort in orderliness. Christopher embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of Wellington, a dog's death, which leads him on an unexpected and challenging journey.

Ed Boone, Christopher’s father, runs a small heating repair business. He struggles with personal issues but cares deeply for his son. Their relationship becomes strained as Christopher pursues the dog murder mystery.

Judy Boone is Christopher’s mother, who is lively and intense. She leaves the family at one point, which has a significant impact on Christopher's life and emotional development.

Siobhan is Christopher's tutor who provides guidance and support. She encourages him to write about his experiences, helping him to navigate his social world and cope with the challenges of Autism.

Mrs. Shears is a neighbor of Christopher and his father, Ed. She becomes indirectly involved in the dog's death mystery because of her connection to Wellington, the deceased dog.

Roger Shears is a neighbor involved in a complicated relationship with Christopher's mother, Judy. He becomes a part of Christopher's investigation due to his connection to Judy and Eileen.

Mrs. Alexander is an elderly neighbor who assists Christopher in uncovering local secrets pertinent to his investigation into Wellington’s murder.

Rhodri is an assistant in Ed Boone's business who sometimes interacts with Christopher, using his talent for arithmetic as a form of entertainment.

Toby is Christopher’s pet rat, which he dearly loves and cares for, representing an important part of Christopher's life and emotional world.

Sandy is the golden retriever puppy given to Christopher by his father after Toby's death, symbolizing comfort and helping mend the father-son relationship.

Wellington is the deceased dog, a French poodle owned by Mrs. Shears. Wellington's death is the central mystery that drives the plot of *The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time*.

Book Details
Pages

226

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Swindon, England • 1990s

Publication Year

2003

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

13+ years

Lexile Level

1090L

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