An important aspect of this novel is the fact that Christopher does not lie. In Chapter 37 he describes, "This is another reason why I don't like proper novels, because they are lies about things which didn't happen and they make me feel shaky and scared. And this is why everything I have written here is true" (19, 20). Upon reading this statement, I immediately thought of Che, The Motorcycle Diaries, and the meaning of a "proper novel." Could Che's Motorcycle Diaries be considered a proper novel when it includes in the title: "Notes on a Latin American Journey"? It was supposed to be his travel notes from the trip, which then he went back to edit before publishing. The concept of editing your diary seemed strange to me throughout reading the book. How was I supposed to be able to tell when a situation had been greatly exaggerated to make Che seem like more a of a hero? Why would he edit his thoughts from when he was younger? Did he publish the book only to make him seem more idealistic or like a down-to-earth common man? Isn't the book then a web of fabricated lies? Sure, the events probably transpired, but how can we be so sure where the line of truth and gross exaggeration is crossed?This type of "novel" would sicken Christopher, and his directness displayed in the quote above is part of the reason I enjoyed his novel so much. Of course, the Curious Incident is a fictional piece of work, but it didn't pretend to be something that it wasn't. Mark Haddon had Christopher speak his mind and write exactly how he felt, and I truly appreciated this honesty.
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