Chocky by John Wyndham

Chocky is a 1968 novel by John Wyndham, author of the imaginative classics The Day of the Triffids (1951), The Crysalids (1955), and The Midwich Cuckoos (1957). He is regarded as a master of science fiction writing, but his novels rest so close to home, altering our reality, that I would call them more accurately 'speculative'. In Triffids, an aggressive form of plant begins hunting humans, Chrysalids concerns telepathy, and Cuckoos (filmed twice as The Village of the Damned) finds all the women of small English town giving birth to children they can't control. Chocky has an alien presence so integrated that it is easily read as the trials of parenting.

12 year-old Matthew is overheard by his father having a conversation. Rather than pretending to direct this imaginary friend, he tends to only supply answers. The parents choose to let it run its course. Chocky is both male and female, bringing up questions of why we have two sexes. Soon, Matthew is asking questions on cosmology and binary mathematics inspired by talks with his imaginary friend, questions of spatial distance and ideas on our technology he says 'Chocky' finds primitive. Usually, the child initiates interaction with their unseen friend, whereas Matthew resents the intrusion and often wants to be left alone. Narrated by the Father, the parents first consult doctors before approaching a therapist, but without success. Matthew cannot paint, but when he lets Chocky take over, the results are fascinating and beautiful. When Matthew and his sister are caught in a swimming accident - and with Matthew stating he cannot swim - it is Chocky who takes over and brings them to safety. The press gets ahold of this and broadcasts a story of a Guardian Angel, bringing him unwanted attention. Throughout, it is the parents who argue about how to handle the situation, the embarrassment to the family, and whether it was right to let this imagination run its course.

It is clear Chocky is not a projection of Matthew's subconscious, as the conversation often runs to confusing concepts Matthew is not capable of understanding. Yet he is not possessed, as he remains dominant, capable of telling her to go away. As the story progresses, you might think it clear there is an unseen presence; however, from the outside, it can also be seen as the usual imaginings of a child - however advanced - Wyndham has Chocky fit into a moment in a child's life, perhaps helped by therapists and parents, that he'll simply outgrow. Wyndham allows both to be correct.

The parents differ on how to raise Matthew, but in the end his growth through an awkward time - and especially the steadfast acceptance and non-judgement by his father - left me at the end with an emotional and heartfelt feeling.

A genuinely touching portrayal of a family - and a child - in a unique situation.

My other reviews of John Wyndham:

The Midwich Cuckoos

The Day of the Triffids

1950 / Paperback / 192 pages