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This book puts the reader in a very privileged position, offering a deep insight into the mind of a 15 year old boy with Asperger’s syndrome.
Christopher Boone, the main character and narrator of the book, interprets the world around him in a different way to many of us. He notices every little detail. He feels safe with patterns, logic, order and reason. Simple things which we take for granted in our lives, like ‘brown and yellow’, or different foods touching each other on the plate, or ‘chit chat’ make him feel unsafe and uncomfortable.
The reader accompanies Christopher on his journey, both literally and metaphorically. His journey to London to find his mother is also a journey to seek the independence and self-confidence he craves. Mark Haddon’s expression of the challenges Christopher faces in his life makes this book sensitively funny and also very sad at the same time.
Christopher’s interpretation of why everyone has learning difficulties and special needs is a direct reflection of his literal observation of the world around him. The author has the exceptional skill of expressing the simplicity of Christopher’s thoughts in a way that is also quite profound and inspired.
Mrs. N. Flint
