BOOKNOTES THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

CHAPTER 109

Summary

Christopher writes in his book that night and shows it to Siobhan the next morning at school. Siobhan sits down with Christopher and asks if he's discussed with his father the conversation with Mrs. Alexander. When he says no and that he has no intention of doing so, Siobhan says that she thinks it's a good idea. She then asks Christopher if he is upset finding out about the affair but he says he isn't. Siobhan assures him it's okay to be sad but Christopher doesn't because Mother is dead and Mr. Shears isn't around anymore. He then spends the rest of the day doing maths, describes his lunch, and shows a likeness of some pictures he draw in Mrs. Peters' class after lunch.

Notes

Christopher's reasoning shows how fundamental his mother's death is to his view of the world. If she was alive, there is a chance he'd be upset; since he think she isn't alive, he isn't upset.

CHAPTER 113

Summary

Christopher likens his memory to a film, which is why he can remember things very well; as he goes through his example, he realizes it's more like a DVD player because it can jump instantly to whatever scene he needs, something film cannot do. If asked what his mother is like, he can recall different scenes, such as 4 July1992 when he was nine and his family were in holiday in Cornwall. He cannot remember anything before he was four, however. Christopher goes on to state that he recognizes people in the same manner, as well as figure out how to act in difficult situations: by accessing his memory to see what happened previously and allow that to guide him. All the pictures in his head are of things that really happened, unlike other people: for example, his mother once imagined what it would be like if she hadn't married Christopher's father, while Siobhan says that she imagines a house in Cape Cod with her friend Elly when she's sad. People sometimes ask what he would say to someone who's died, but he finds that stupid since it's not possible. Further, his grandmother has pictures in her head but they are muddled and she cannot tell real life from television.

Notes

The dissatisfaction of Christopher's mother in her marriage is described by Christopher, who describes it only as a memory he can access and not an explanation of what may have happened with Mr. Shears. His description of his grandmother's mind is an attempt to express how her senile dementia seems to influence her thoughts.

CHAPTER 127

Summary

Christopher comes home from school. His father hasn't arrived yet so he leaves his book in the kitchen and in the living room watches a Blue Planet video about underwater life. His father comes home at 5:48 p.m. and says hello to Christopher, who forgot that he left his book in the kitchen, an example of Relaxing Your Guard. At 5:54 p.m. his father returns to the living room with the book in his hand. He asks of the conversation with Mrs. Alexander, which Christopher says is a rhetorical question; Christopher responds that he didn't break any of Father's orders but he won't accept this excuse. Still angry, Father reminds Christopher not to stick his nose into other people's business; Father grabs Christopher, which surprises him, and he hits Father, who's still shouting, and hits him again. Christopher has no memory of what happened right after, though it was only a short lapse based on his watch. When he switches back on he is sitting on the carpet with blood on his right hand and his head hurting, Father standing a meter away, the book still in his hand. He goes outside to throw the book in the dustbin and gets himself a beer.

Notes

This incident of lost time is a precursor to a greater loss in a later chapter. Christopher contrasts the temperament of his father and mother to show how his father is usually even-tempered and, unlike his mother, didn't hit Christopher.

CHAPTER 131

Summary

Christopher gives two lists: one of why he doesn't like yellow and one of why he doesn't like brown. Mrs. Forbes says that hating these colors is silly but Siobhan says everyone has favorite colors. Christopher actually agrees with both of them, but believes you have to make a lot of decisions and if you don't you spend all your time choosing between things.

Notes

The dislike of brown and yellow is shown as being arbitrary in the choice of color, but necessary as a means of simplifying certain decisions in life.

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