Mark Haddon book summaries

“My name is Christopher John Francis Boone. I know all the countries of the world and their capital cities and every prime number up to 7,057.”

Opening lines of the novel, introducing Christopher's unique way of defining himself.

“I do not tell lies. Mother used to say that this was because I was a good person. But it is not because I am a good person. It is because I can't tell lies.”

Christopher explains his inability to lie, which is central to his character and the plot.

“The dog was lying on the grass in the middle of the lawn in front of Mrs. Shears' house. Its eyes were closed. It looked as if it was running on its side, the way dogs run when they think they are chasing a cat in a dream.”

Christopher's initial description of finding Wellington's dead body.

“I think prime numbers are like life. They are very logical but you could never work out the rules, even if you spent all your time thinking about them.”

Christopher reflects on prime numbers, illustrating his philosophical side.

“And I know I can do this because I went to London on my own, and because I solved the mystery of Who Killed Wellington? and I found my mother and I was brave and I wrote a book and that means I can do anything.”

Christopher's concluding thoughts, showing his newfound confidence.