Mass market paperback by Ballantine, 1968. Was Chocky a reality, a dream - or a nightmare? Sci-fi fantasy by the author of 'Day of the Triffids.'
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4.0 out of 5 stars
A suprising "first contact" story,
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This review is from: Chocky (Mass Market Paperback)
Eleven-year-old Matthew Gore appears to have an inquisitive imaginary friend of uncertain gender named Chocky. Matthew's adoptive parents become concerned when Matthew's teacher reports that Matthew has started doing math in base two instead of base ten. Their concern increases when his art teacher notices a sudden improvement in Matthew's drawing ability. Matthew attributes those newfound skills to Chocky. The question soon becomes whether Chocky is imaginary or whether Matthew is communicating with an internal consciousness separate from his own. Chocky's impact on Matthew's life quickly turns the Gore family's life into a circus. The last portion of the novel resembles a mystery and the conclusion is quite satisfactory.Chocky is a relatively short novel that lacks the scope and drama of Wyndham's The Day of the Triffids, but it is an enjoyable read in its own right. Matthew's reaction to Chocky and his parents' reaction to Matthew create a believable family dynamic -- particularly with the addition of Matthew's little sister Polly, who adds a note of comic relief. Chocky is a clever and surprisingly credible version of a first contact story, one that nicely balances the ideas that make science fiction worthwhile with the carefully constructed characters that define good literature. I would give Chocky 4 1/2 stars if Amazon made that option available.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Eloquent, understated children's classic,
By As a child, it had such a STRONG, lasting effect on me that I made a full ten year search for it..I simply HAD to read it again! What a DELIGHT to find that-even a full ten years later-it STILL held that same, simply JOY for me in it's WONDERFUL characters! The narrative style is true British:dry, understated humor combined with evocative imagery of character. Chocky is-without being overly cute or fey-an absolute CHARMER, the likes of which I hadn't seen prior OR later, until Spielberg's "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial" came along. For me, growing up on a steady diet of scary, menacing space aliens("Earth Vs.The Flying Saucers", "Invaders From Mars", etc.)to read Chocky's eloquent, insightful observations and to see her genuine caring-not only for her remarkable young host but EVERYONE here on earth-had a PROFOUND effect on my young mind. Never again would I watch a sci-fi movie WITHOUT thinking "Hmmm.....!" For readers of ANY age who enjoy QUALITY and HAVE NOT yet read this book, I STRONGLY recommend you do so! Amazon.com's prices for it here are simply impossible to beat; what a BARGAIN! Chocky, you can take tea with me ANYTIME!
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chock Full of ...,
By Matthew, 11, a bright, pre-adolescent boy has been receiving visits from a mysterious, possibly alien being called Chocky. He and Chocky have long, esoteric conversations that suggest that perhaps Chocky is not a resident of Planet Earth. The question is, does Chocky exist? And what gender is Chocky? Matthew initially identified Chocky as male, then later on Chocky is referred to as being female. The dialog is nothing short of brilliant; the dynamics are uncannily convincing. This is an excellent book. Matthew has a highly irritating younger sister. I just loved it when their father told her to shut up when she wanted to drone on about Twinklehooves, a fictional horse in one of her books. What a foolish girl chock full of inane chatter. I also thought that response served her right as nobody wanted to listen to her silly palaver. Matthew, on the other hand had an open, receptive mind and was able to receive Chocky. Chocky comes through for Matthew's irritating sister. When she nearly drowns, Matthew saves her, but says that Chocky saved her. His drawings become startlingly sophisticated, a talent he also attributes to Chocky. Matthew starts to view the world through Chocky's eyes and when his work is submitted to an art show without his permission, Chocky's "existence" snowballs. The boy's parents fear he will be kidnapped for his knowledge of esoteric matters via Chocky. Chocky realizes Matthew is in danger and that others will try to use him to get to him/her, Chocky and Chocky's information. Once Chocky imparts this final message, s/he leaves Matthew, never to return in any form. It is believed that Chocky is an extra terrestrial. The conversations between the boy and the being are deep and profound; they expound on questions of routine existence that many take for granted. Chocky raises Matthew's level of appreciation for his life and the people in it.
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