Mark Haddon’s The Red House is a metaphor for the definition of family; the meaning can be obscured by comfort or serve as boundaries through which no one should cross. Haddon emphasizes the latter. Estranged brother and sister, Richard and Angela, meet for a family vacation shortly after their mother’s death. Richard’s a doctor and newly married to his second wife. Her 16-year-old daughter is part of the package. Angela and her husband have three children, but she mourns the still-born daughter she lost 18 years ago. These eight family members spend a week together in the English countryside as they tentatively reveal themselves to each other – some with better results than others.
Haddon’s approach is interesting. Each chapter represents one day of the vacation, and everyone’s perspective is provided to set the scene. Initially, it’s difficult, even confusing, keeping track of who’s who. However, as the storyline evolves, more about Angela’s grief is explained, not just from her viewpoint but her husband’s, too. Also, Richard is not as professionally secure as he projects, this from his wife.
Haddon blends the familiar (sulky teenagers) with the uncomfortable (sulky parents). Slowly, observations and experiences round out each character. Jumping from one person to another becomes less awkward. Mostly, the time together leads to everyone’s better understanding of him or herself. Haddon writes, “Behind everything there is a house … compared to which every other house is larger or colder or more luxurious.” Sounds a lot like the way all families are perceived.
The Red House
Three-and-a-half Bookmarks
Doubleday, 2012
264 pages
The Blue Page Special 
I found that I have to be in a very receptive mood to read Mark Haddon. I picked up The Curious Incident Of The Dog In the Night-Time at the library a few years ago. It was on their recommended reading list – a librarian pick, so I read it, and curiously enjoyed it. Recently someone loaned Spot Of Bother to me. I can’t get into it. I’ve tried several times.
I can give most books a chance, I mean, I read The Particular Saddness Of Lemon Cake, by Aimee Bender, all the way through. And that was a weird read. Right now I can’t bother with Spot Of Bother, but maybe Family Holiday On Ice deserves a try.Thanks.
I meant The Red House, sorry, I was distracted. : )
Maybe this means you liked the title of the post …. Ha ha.
exactly 🙂
I always think its interesting how some books are so easy to jump into and others less so. I liked Curious Incident … Let me know if you read The Red House. I’d like to know what you think.