Arena

The book starts with chapter 2. This is because it is written from Christopher's POV and he has Asperger's. So he has a thing about Prime Numbers and allocates the chapters accordingly. Perhaps surprisingly, after the initial "Huh? Is there something missing? No, it says page one." this isn't an issue. In fact, it gives the story a unique perspective and helps to carry it along. As the mother of a son with Asperger's, I quickly identified with Christopher. Not so much with his mum, although I could empathise with her frustrations. Mark Haddon must surely have first hand experience of the condition to write it so accurately. This is certainly a very original book, and well worth checking out, no matter what genre of story you normally pick. It appeals equally to both children and adults, and I believe it has won awards in both categories. Deservedly so. I'm really glad I read it. In fact, this is one of those rare titles that I may well re-read at some point.