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katykelly's review
4.0
This is one of those books that, with time and exposure, must somewhat lose the 'shock factor' and surprise that the twist ending might have given to readers much less familiar with science fiction conventions when it was first written.
That's not to say Chocky doesn't make some excellent points.
Eleven year old adopted son Matthew begins talking to what appears to be an imaginary friend, whom he calls Chocky. His parents start to be concerned when he and Chocky appear to have very unusual conversations about subjects surely out of Matthew's sphere of understanding - the objectivity of time, binary numbers, renewable energy sources.
90% of the story moves us up to the revelation of the truth. It feels quite slow-paced for a 150 page book and could have worked as a 30 page short story as well, in my opinion.
It does work though, the father narrating Matthew's story, his feelings, the growing media interest in Matthew and Chocky's interactions. As a reader, you do a little guessing yourself.
I enjoyed it, though I felt for the younger sister Polly, who seems to be sometimes made fun of by the writer (for horse obsessions and her own earlier imaginary friend) or sidelined by Matthew's circumstances.
I only came across this recently and having enjoyed other Wyndham classics, thought I'd try this lesser-known story. It takes very little time and does have a few thinking points towards the denouement.
That's not to say Chocky doesn't make some excellent points.
Eleven year old adopted son Matthew begins talking to what appears to be an imaginary friend, whom he calls Chocky. His parents start to be concerned when he and Chocky appear to have very unusual conversations about subjects surely out of Matthew's sphere of understanding - the objectivity of time, binary numbers, renewable energy sources.
90% of the story moves us up to the revelation of the truth. It feels quite slow-paced for a 150 page book and could have worked as a 30 page short story as well, in my opinion.
It does work though, the father narrating Matthew's story, his feelings, the growing media interest in Matthew and Chocky's interactions. As a reader, you do a little guessing yourself.
I enjoyed it, though I felt for the younger sister Polly, who seems to be sometimes made fun of by the writer (for horse obsessions and her own earlier imaginary friend) or sidelined by Matthew's circumstances.
I only came across this recently and having enjoyed other Wyndham classics, thought I'd try this lesser-known story. It takes very little time and does have a few thinking points towards the denouement.
kelamity_reads's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I really enjoy this short story by John Wyndham. I particularly like the portrayal of the father and his approach to dealing with his son, Matthew. I also liked the unexpected view of gender that Chocky invokes. Unexpected due to the how accepting the narration is of it for a book written in 1963.
Whilst the story touches lightly on themes of environmental exploitation, the main focus of the story is that of the Gore family and how they respond to Matthew's new friend "Chocky".
Regarding the audiobook, the narration by Damien Lynch was very good.
Whilst the story touches lightly on themes of environmental exploitation, the main focus of the story is that of the Gore family and how they respond to Matthew's new friend "Chocky".
Regarding the audiobook, the narration by Damien Lynch was very good.
pptphile's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ajd2024's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
audioaxolotl's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
owl139's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dadcalves's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
christina72's review
4.0
You have a 12 year old son. Everything about him is normal. But one day he starts talking to someone you can't see and starts drawing strange things so complicated you can't understand it. It's a bitter sweet, creepy good, and crazy kind of story. I hope you read it.