Has anyone read the curious incident of the dog in the night-time?

Question

If so, what is your opinion of Christopher's mother? I need to write a paper on it so any advice would be appretiated... thanks.

Answer 1

I have! I thought that book was so interesting, especially since I have worked with and volunteered with a lot of children on the autistic spectrum.

His mother, I think that she spent a lot of herself giving and providing to him and she just couldn't do it anymore. I think there was an element of selfishness to her, but it's obvious that she's not well educated (from the spelling and prose of her letters) and that she didn't have a lot of choices. Also, her relationship with her husband was quite bad, it seemed like he really took advantage of her. I think that if she had received more support then she would have been able to hang in there for longer.

I think the way that she left is definitely a sign of selfishness and obviously it was quite damaging how she never spoke to Christopher before she left (and then his Dad convinced him that she was dead).

It's so hard to say because caring for someone like that would be very hard even if you had very strong supports in place. She was giving physically and emotionally, constantly giving until the point that she was exhausted or completely spent, and she wasn't receiving the nurturing that SHE needed to continue caring for him. I think that the affair she had gave her the attention and love that she had been lacking.

I personally think it exemplifies how the Department of Human Services should focus more resources on preventative programs like counselling, family therapy, respite and in-home support. These measures can prevent family breakdown.

Good luck with your paper.

Answer 2

I think she was a rather selfish woman. Yes, mothers have needs... but she left her son. I think there was a different more responsible choice that she could have made... respite care... anything. She used her son's autism (in a way) to justify her own crappy choices. She tried to mold herself into being what her lover needed her to be instead of figuring out who she was and what she stood for. She ended up standing up for little. I did not respect her character in the novel. Keep in mind that my reaction is purely an emotional response. One of my favourite people in the entire world happens to be a 15 year-old boy with Autism. I know how challenging it can be... and I am also aware of all the different choices she could have made. Hope that helps in some way.

Answer 3

Never even heard of it. Sorry and good luck. Is it too late to read yourself, or read a synopsis on the internet about it? I'll try to find a web site if you want...


never mind. There you go, courtesy of Angela W :)