The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

“My name is Christopher John Francis Boone. I know all the countries of the world and their capital cities and every prime number up to 7,057.”

Mark Haddon’s introduction to his unconventional main character marks the beginning of an eccentric journey that is as humorous as it is heartbreaking. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time follows Christopher Boone, a mentally challenged fifteen year-old from England, as he struggles to exist in a society that is designed to do everything but accommodate him. Christopher functions differently than most people, and therefore interacts with the world in a way that challenges the premise of a conforming society. Haddon explains the logic of mentally handicapped people in a way that inspires change, as well as draws on the compassionate nature of the reader. The novel highlights the flaws of modern culture through its depiction of the battle Christopher must fight every day to perform mundane activities. Christopher Boone is not only a relatable character who demonstrates the impact of mental health, but he is a gateway to the realization that a significant portion of the population struggles with everyday existence. Not only does Haddon convey an important social message in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, but he also exercises paradox enriched writing techniques to provide the reader with insight into a mentally handicapped mind. Emotional events are described with a detached tone, and Christopher’s inner commentary is devoid of joy, yet extremely humorous. Haddon allows the reader to feel everything and nothing simultaneously. The raw emotional responses of the reader occur alongside Christopher’s emotional incapability, creating an enthralling tangible inconsistency.

When I first read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time I was surprised by how much I could relate to Christopher. His story often reminded me of how I feel when I’m out in the world, and it was almost as if he was a manifestation of my inner experiences. Haddon’s novel played a large part in the development of my current social opinions. I think that every aspect of society has been built to cater to the healthy extrovert. In some cases there are accommodations, but for the most part people who have mental health issues, or are simply introverted, have to struggle to work and live within the current system. I personally am an introvert who is diagnosed with multiple anxiety disorders as well as PTSD, and reading this novel provided me with a sense of comfort. While my specific issues weren’t being addressed, Christopher’s story shone a light on the battles that are hidden in the performance of everyday activities. I think this is a very important book for people to read. Haddon utilizes an entertaining story full of emotional appeal to teach a lesson that I consider to be essential.