Chocky (1968)

The latest in my run of reading or re-reading Wyndham's novels this year in no particular order and for no particular reason other than I felt like it!

This has quite a different feel for me than, say, the more apocalyptic (if quietly so) tales such as [b:The Kraken Wakes|4934914|The Kraken Wakes|John Wyndham|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mkDD-yXPL._SL75_.jpg|2760748] or [b:The Day of the Triffids|826843|The Day of the Triffids|John Wyndham|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1178729402s/826843.jpg|188517]. There isn't so much of a sinister feeling throughout, even though we're talking about a child being 'inhabited' by an alien presence and even when this turns into an actual 'possession' with the alien Chocky controlling Matthew's body it's still not totally horrifying. Odd, certainly, and a little creepy, but Chocky's actions, saving Matthew and his sister Polly from drowning, and intent, to offer positive assistance to one of the few other intelligent forms of life Chocky's people have found, are explicitly benevolent.

This view is mainly influenced by the narrator, Matthew's father, who is quickly ready to believe in Chocky's existence and is more intrigued than worried, seeing little need to interfere when his son is healthy and happy. It should perhaps seem more sinister, but the kidnapping of Matthew by people who want to learn the alien's secrets actually seems worse. Clearly it would be a very different book if written from the perspective of the mother who swings between concern, dismissal of an 'imaginary friend', horror at the possibility of possession, fear for her child, returning to denial of Chocky's existence... That would be a far more uncomfortable read. As it is, it's an enjoyable and even cheery story, but with a sinister edge of what could have happened that creeps up on you afterwards.

Once again I loved Wyndham's characters, especially the children here: with Matthew's frustration when trying to convey Chocky's ideas by finding his vocabulary lacking, and little sister Polly who can describe anything that has happened to Matthew in comparison with events from the life of "Twinklehooves", the show-pony/ballerina from her favourite books! ( )

I always enjoy a John Wyndham. This is one I haven't re-read much so it was pretty fresh in the mind (whereas Day of the Triffids and Chrysalids are multiple re-reads). Very well-put-together and well-written; would recommend. Not entirely 100% sure about the portrayal of the mother, mind; not entirely right-on I feel. ( )

This was one I could have read in a day, being a slim volume and really engaging. It's a gentler story, perhaps, than some of John Wyndham's other works--there was no Triffid/Cuckoo-type eerie threat to be dealt with, really, as it was fairly apparent from an early point that Chocky didn't intend any harm. As a result, not heart-thumpingly thrilling, but it's certainly intelligent, entertaining and has the usual Wyndham genuine soul (I don't know if that makes sense. It does to me!) ( )

It's a neat book and an interesting premise, but as a whole, it's not as good as Day of the Triffids and Midwitch Cuckoos.

It's sort of like a cozy first-contact / horror scenario. But a first contact novel from the point of view of someone who isn't directly involved in that contact leaves a little to be desired. There's a lot that's inferred about culture differences but the culture clashes are usually the most interesting parts of such books. ( )

"You always know, just know, how it's going to end but Wyndham takes you on a good journey there."
read more: http://likeiamfeasting.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/chocky-john-wyndham.html ( )