The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

by Mark Haddon
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time cover
Good Books rating 3.0
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  • ID: 611
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • Formats: 169
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
booktrust.org.uk · Unknown · 2025-12-20
problematic 1.00

The book portrays an autistic protagonist in ways that may give readers negative and incorrect ideas about autistic people. The protagonist is depicted as elitist, violent, and lacking empathy, which could lead to harmful assumptions about autistic individuals. The book is not recommended as a good representation of autism.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon has received widespread acclaim for its portrayal of an autistic protagonist, Christopher Boone. However, the book's representation of autism is problematic and potentially harmful. Christopher is depicted as elitist, violent, and lacking empathy, which could lead readers to form negative and incorrect assumptions about autistic people. The book also portrays Christopher as being treated terribly by almost every other character, with abuse and insults often overlooked. This sends the message that abuse and insults don't harm autistic people, which is not true. The book is not recommended as a good representation of autism and should not be recommended to autistic people or their families and friends.

Quick quotes

    This book portrays its autistic protagonist in ways that will give readers negative, incorrect, and in some cases abusive ideas about autistic people.

    The way the author chooses to portray Christopher makes me worry that some people will assume that harmful treatment toward autistic people is okay, or even deserved.

    Christopher is portrayed as elitist, violent, and lacking empathy.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-19
thought-provoking 3.50

The novel is praised for its unique narrative style and insight into the mind of a boy with autism, though some find the plot thin and the ending unsatisfying.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is celebrated for its innovative first-person perspective, offering a deep dive into the thoughts and experiences of a young autistic protagonist. The narrative style is particularly lauded for its authenticity and emotional resonance. However, some readers feel that the plot lacks depth and the ending falls flat, leaving them wanting more development and resolution.

Quick quotes

    The writing is so vivid and authentic that you can't help but feel like you're inside the protagonist's mind.

    The story is touching and thought-provoking, but the plot feels a bit thin at times.

    The ending was a bit of a letdown, as it didn't fully resolve the emotional journey.

pleasereadittome.com · Unknown · 2023-09-15
interesting 3.50

The reviewer enjoyed the book for its immersive story and vivid details, but felt it was problematic due to the author's lack of research into neurodivergent experiences. The narration was good but not perfect, and the story had tonal shifts that were sometimes jarring.

The reviewer found 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' to be an interesting and immersive story, with vivid details that made even mundane tasks feel like epic adventures. The protagonist, Christopher, sets out to solve the mystery of a neighbor's dog's death, leading to a small-scale adventure with significant repercussions for him and his family. The story has shades of Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie, which added levity, but the tonal shifts were sometimes jarring. The reviewer appreciated the strength of Christopher's character and how he sees the world, but felt that the author's lack of research into neurodivergent experiences made the representation problematic at times. The narration by Jeff Woodman was good but not perfect, with a voice and delivery that felt a tad too old for a 15-year-old character. Overall, the reviewer rated the story 4 out of 5 stars and the narration 3 out of 5 stars.

Quick quotes

    How do you review a book that you generally enjoyed while simultaneously feeling it was borderline problematic?

    While much of Christopher’s representation and story were done with care, there were also times where I felt Haddon made him the butt of a joke or amplified personality traits for manufactured drama.

    The amount of times Christopher’s “otherness” was celebrated and then ridiculed was whiplash inducing.

thewordwolf.com · Unknown · 2021-08-15
good 4.00

The book is a light-hearted and enjoyable read with humorous moments, making it a great escapism. However, it is predictable and may not appeal to everyone.

The book is a light-hearted and enjoyable read with humorous moments that make it fun and a page-turner. Fans of Sophie Kinsella will likely enjoy this story. However, it is predictable, and some may not be in the mood for such a story. Overall, if you enjoy comedic books and light-hearted reads, this is a story you will want to read.

Quick quotes

    If you are looking for a book that is a great escapism and an enjoyable read then this is a book then you will have to check this story out. It is a story that is enjoyable and also has a lot of humorous moments in it that make it fun and also a page turner.

    It is a book that is predictable and some may not enjoy it if you are not in the mood for a story for this.

    If you enjoy light hearted reads and comedic books then this is a story that you will want to read.

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