It says on the back cover: “For readers who loved Room and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time: a heartwarming, heartbreaking story of love, loyalty and the power of the imagination – a novel perfect for anyone who ever had a friend ... real or otherwise.”
Budo, the imaginary friend of Max, narrates this novel. He has been around for five years – a long time for imaginary friends, who often meet their demise once their imaginer starts school. Only child Max, Budo’s imaginer, is eight years old and autistic. His father wants him to be a normal boy, and tries to treat him like one. His mother recognises he is not normal, and the household is a tense one at times. When Max disappears from school one day, an action that is completely out of character, only Budo knows what has happened to him. Despite his limitations – only Max can see and hear him – he resolves to rescue Max.
Written to sound like an eight-year-old is speaking, the book is a quick read. Sentences are short, and the vocabulary is limited. An eight-year-old could probably read this book. As a character Budo is a mix of child-like naivety and adult knowingness. The reason for this is that Max imagined him as able to pass through closed doors and not needing sleep, therefore when Max is asleep Budo watches television and roams around the neighbourhood, visiting the local gas station and the hospital. Because Max imagined him this way, Budo is able to help him.
This is a feel-good read, perfect for a miserable afternoon where you don’t want to engage your brain too much. I Didn't think it comapred favourably with "The Curious Incident...", and the childish quality of the narration annoyed me. Maybe it's just that I'm heartless, but I can't give the rave reviews that others have