Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
NYRB Classics (2015), 164 pages
Description
Matthew's parents are worried. At eleven, he's much too old to have an imaginary friend, yet they find him talking to and arguing with a presence that even he admits is not physically there. This presence - Chocky - causes Matthew to ask difficult questions and say startling things- he speaks of complex mathematics and mocks human progress. Then, when Matthew does something incredible, it seems there is more than the imaginary about Chocky. Which is when others become interested and ask questions of their own- who is Chocky? And what could it want with an eleven-year-old boy?
User reviews
LibraryThing member auntmarge64
Another of Wyndham's gentle SF books, quite enjoyable, although it's hard to tell for a while whether it is science fiction. Told by a 12-year old's father, the tale begins when Matthew, the son, begins to ask questions and exhibit behaviors beyond his age and training. He becomes an accomplished
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artist overnight and saves his sister from drowning when, if fact, he cannot swim. To their dismay, his parents discover that he appears to have an imaginary friend, although that explanation does not really fit the evidence, and it becomes obvious he may be inhabited by a second, more advanced but benign, presence. As is typical with Wyndham, he approaches these events from the viewpoint of a sane, middle-class protagonist, which is deceptive in its power on the reader, who is sucked into thinking that yes, that's what I'd do, too. There is also a surprising message of energy conservation and the danger of using up limited natural resources - surprising because the book was originally published in 1968. Show Less
LibraryThing member Garrison0550
It was worth reading, but I would struggle to recommend it to anyone.
LibraryThing member monado
John Wyndham wrote fine science fiction set in the U.K. In this story, a schoolboy begins asking odd questions. His parents think he might have an imaginary companion; but the questions are those of a true outsider: Why not use binary numbers? Where is the Earth? Why two sexes?
The parents struggle
The parents struggle
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with whether to conceal or even believe in what appears to be happening. Show Less
LibraryThing member Vivl
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
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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!) Show Less
LibraryThing member Prop2gether
Much gentler than some of Wyndham's other books (i.e., no alien invasions, no battles royal, no survivors barely hanging on), this is a story, as told by his father, of a boy who is "possessed" by Chocky. Matthew's mother wants him cured of this being, his younger sister scoffed at him, and his dad
This is one of the 1001 Must Read books, which surprised me much more than Wyndham's Midwich Cuckoos being on the list. The choice was taken partly because this is a blend of science fiction and fantasy, and partly because it is story of family dynamics, Matthew is an adopted child, with no known birth family. His parents moved across town to avoid the regular encounters with his mother's family. Matthew begins to act a bit odd--and? Can anything else be expected? Probably not.
I'd recommend this, but not as a first reading of Wyndham.
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mostly listens to him, partly believing him at first, and then believing in Chocky.This is one of the 1001 Must Read books, which surprised me much more than Wyndham's Midwich Cuckoos being on the list. The choice was taken partly because this is a blend of science fiction and fantasy, and partly because it is story of family dynamics, Matthew is an adopted child, with no known birth family. His parents moved across town to avoid the regular encounters with his mother's family. Matthew begins to act a bit odd--and? Can anything else be expected? Probably not.
I'd recommend this, but not as a first reading of Wyndham.
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LibraryThing member Pferdina
This book is a quick read. It is an interesting thought experiment: "what would happen if aliens could explore us using some form of telepathy?" So young Matthew is contacted by the alien Chocky and his family struggles to find a way to react, first believing Chocky is an imaginary friend, then
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that Matthew might be mentally ill. The story is told entirely from the perspective of Matthew's father, and most of the other characters are not well-developed. Even Chocky has no real part until the very end of the book. The book is not really about Chocky or the aliens, it is more about the family and how they react to an unusual circumstance. The dialog is awkward and the setting is dated, but it is still not bad. Show Less
LibraryThing member StephenBarkley
Chocky's a fine science fiction tale. In it, a boy named Matthew begins to have conversations with an imaginary friend—who turns out to be more than imaginary. The back cover states that the friend, "was far too intelligent and frightening" to spring from the mind of Matthew alone.
This story
On the whole, this book ranks just slightly above average. The climax was a bit of a let down for me. Still, I love Wyndham, so it was a pleasant read. If you're not a Wyndham fan, there are other more interesting books to begin with.
This story
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pulls you in from the first couple pages. There's an element of potential horror surrounding the plot that makes it compelling. There's a some depth here, too. It's interesting to hear about the family dynamics of Matthew's mother. Wyndham could have made much more use of that side-story.On the whole, this book ranks just slightly above average. The climax was a bit of a let down for me. Still, I love Wyndham, so it was a pleasant read. If you're not a Wyndham fan, there are other more interesting books to begin with.
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LibraryThing member SFM13
My review of this short book is more like a hastily written summary. It made me think about the way thoughts are transmitted, and how if we are in tune with them we can hear more that the average person. Chocky awakened Matthew's senses ... here is a synopsis of the story.
Matthew Gore begins
One day while out with Polly, his little sister, they fall through thin ice. Matthew, who never learned to swim, is suddenly able to swim saving himself and his sister from drowning. He claims that Chocky saved them. When the media gets involved by reporting the heroic way Matthew saved Polly, the "existence of Chocky" is publicized. Chocky is referred to as the children's "guardian angel."
Matthew is later kidnapped and scientists who have questions about Matthew's sudden understanding of physics, ability to swim, musical talents, inject him with a sort of truth serum to bring Chocky out.
Through it all Matthew's dad remains his son's confidant. When Matthew eventually makes it home, he talks to his father about the experience and says Chocky wants to talk to him too. He goes along with it, not believing at first. Chocky identifies him/herself as a traveler from far away. Matthew, being a child, was picked as a host, because
children are prone to ask questions, and therefore would make a good cover. The purpose of the visit was to instill mathematical understanding of the way the mind could send messages (XXXXX). When Chocky becomes attached to Matthew, he/she is unable to let him drown. By interfering and preventing the natural occurrence of events, Chocky is in danger of exposure. With Matthew's newly acquired skills, and the attention he receives, Chocky has come this last time to say goodbye, and to advise Matthew not to pursue a career in Physics. Instead she encourages him to use what she/he taught him about music, to share the message with others ... Listen to what is around you more closely and new worlds will open up.
Matthew Gore begins
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hearing a voice; he refers to as "Chocky," asking him to find the meaning of XXXXX. When he begins talking to the voice, he starts asking unusual questions in school and at home. He draws attention to himself, by suddenly beginning to excel in physics, a subject in which he has never been taught. His parents have him to see a "shrink” and his friends call him mad. His music teacher thinks he's a genius after he composes a unique piece of music while under the guidance of Chocky. She enters a song composed by Matthew in a contest and he wins a prize. One day while out with Polly, his little sister, they fall through thin ice. Matthew, who never learned to swim, is suddenly able to swim saving himself and his sister from drowning. He claims that Chocky saved them. When the media gets involved by reporting the heroic way Matthew saved Polly, the "existence of Chocky" is publicized. Chocky is referred to as the children's "guardian angel."
Matthew is later kidnapped and scientists who have questions about Matthew's sudden understanding of physics, ability to swim, musical talents, inject him with a sort of truth serum to bring Chocky out.
Through it all Matthew's dad remains his son's confidant. When Matthew eventually makes it home, he talks to his father about the experience and says Chocky wants to talk to him too. He goes along with it, not believing at first. Chocky identifies him/herself as a traveler from far away. Matthew, being a child, was picked as a host, because
children are prone to ask questions, and therefore would make a good cover. The purpose of the visit was to instill mathematical understanding of the way the mind could send messages (XXXXX). When Chocky becomes attached to Matthew, he/she is unable to let him drown. By interfering and preventing the natural occurrence of events, Chocky is in danger of exposure. With Matthew's newly acquired skills, and the attention he receives, Chocky has come this last time to say goodbye, and to advise Matthew not to pursue a career in Physics. Instead she encourages him to use what she/he taught him about music, to share the message with others ... Listen to what is around you more closely and new worlds will open up.
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LibraryThing member john257hopper
An entertaining and very quick read, with an interesting and slightly disturbing backdrop. As so often with Wyndham, the characters are dated and undeveloped, but to dwell on this is to miss the point of his stories, which were written focus on a particular scientific idea and its development, free
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of the clutter of unnecessary subplots. Show Less
LibraryThing member JediJane
I borrowed this from a friend because I had watched the ITV series on television when I was young and it had terrified me. The book was an altogether gentler affair, although I found it a window into society in the late 1960s as well as an interesting comment on the scant regard of humankind to
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properly manage their resources. It seems oddly prophetic but ultimately a good read and certainly not as scary as I remember the series being when I was only 7. Show Less
LibraryThing member livrecache
Cute story, undermined by Wyndham being a man of his time with an appalling attitude towards women.
LibraryThing member comixminx
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
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entirely right-on I feel. Show Less
LibraryThing member ctpress
12 year old Matthew suddenly develops an imaginary friend called Chocky - Matthew comes to his parents with very mature and adult philosophical questions - and says that it's really Chocky that are posing all the questions - Chocky also seems to take over Matthews body when Matthew starts to paint
This is the premise of Chocky - told from the the fathers perspective as he discovers more and more troubling things about this "imaginary" friend that will not leave Matthew alone.
Another great story by John Wyndham with a surprising and interesting ending. It feels like a short story that is stretched to a novella-length story. But it works quite well as we learn more and more and are quessing along.
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and write. Matthews parents begins to worry - is this just a make-believe playmate, is Matthew possessed in some way or is there another explanation?This is the premise of Chocky - told from the the fathers perspective as he discovers more and more troubling things about this "imaginary" friend that will not leave Matthew alone.
Another great story by John Wyndham with a surprising and interesting ending. It feels like a short story that is stretched to a novella-length story. But it works quite well as we learn more and more and are quessing along.
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LibraryThing member edgeworth
Chocky was the last novel John Wyndham wrote before his death (although a semi-finished one called Web was published posthumously) and for some reason I never read it while I was in high school – although I remember flicking through a copy at the library and not being intrigued enough to properly
Matthew Gore is an ordinary eleven-year-old schoolboy in the London suburbs whose parents become somewhat concerned when he develops an imaginary friend named Chocky, carrying on vocal arguments with a voice that only he can hear. Not only is he a bit too old for an imaginary friend, but Chocky appears to be teaching him some advanced scientific and mathematical concepts, and asks strange questions of her own. Matthew begins to draw local landscapes with spindly, distorted figures, as if seen from another viewpoint. To a science fiction reader it’s obvious from the first chapter or so that Matthew has developed a telepathic link with an alien intelligence, but Chocky is nevertheless an eerie and unsettling novel, narrated from the point of view of Matthew’s concerned father.
As in any Wyndham novel, there’s a wise character who cottons on to what’s happening before anyway else does. And as in any Wyndham novel, it also feels quite dated, although it’s fortunately not quite as unwittingly sexist as The Midwich Cuckoos; though Chocky is narrated by Matthew’s father, both his parents have an equal footing in responding to the issue (even though the mother is often portrayed as unreasonable.) But as I mentioned in my review of The Midwich Cuckoos, it’s hard to fault Wyndham for being a product of his age. Brian Aldiss, writing the introduction to this 2010 Penguin edition, describes it as “an antique charm.”
Anyway, this is where the similarities with his previous books end. As I said earlier, Chocky is not an apocalyptic novel, and it also seems to reject Wyndham’s thesis (presented to a greater or lesser degree in all four of his most famous novels) that two foreign intelligences will inevitably fight to the death. Readers of Wyndham’s previous novels will certainly feel a bit of frisson when Chocky asks Matthew (more than once) exactly where Earth is, and comments that it’s a lot nicer than where she’s from. I won’t spoil the plot, but suffice to say that Chocky is one of Wyndham’s more optimistic stories. The final line in the book – which is actually an image – is surprisingly and deeply affecting, and works on multiple levels. Chocky is an excellent novella, which is perhaps not as great as Wyndham’s more well-known novels – but then, that’s a high bar to set. Essential reading for any fans of science fiction.
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read it, just as I wasn’t intrigued by The Trouble With Lichen. I suppose it’s because unlike his classic big four novels, neither of these deals with an apocalypse, a post-apocalyptic setting, or (in the case of The Midwich Cuckoos) an apocalypse averted. I really am ashamed of my teenage self, because Chocky is as imaginative and captivating as any of Wyndham’s better-known works.Matthew Gore is an ordinary eleven-year-old schoolboy in the London suburbs whose parents become somewhat concerned when he develops an imaginary friend named Chocky, carrying on vocal arguments with a voice that only he can hear. Not only is he a bit too old for an imaginary friend, but Chocky appears to be teaching him some advanced scientific and mathematical concepts, and asks strange questions of her own. Matthew begins to draw local landscapes with spindly, distorted figures, as if seen from another viewpoint. To a science fiction reader it’s obvious from the first chapter or so that Matthew has developed a telepathic link with an alien intelligence, but Chocky is nevertheless an eerie and unsettling novel, narrated from the point of view of Matthew’s concerned father.
As in any Wyndham novel, there’s a wise character who cottons on to what’s happening before anyway else does. And as in any Wyndham novel, it also feels quite dated, although it’s fortunately not quite as unwittingly sexist as The Midwich Cuckoos; though Chocky is narrated by Matthew’s father, both his parents have an equal footing in responding to the issue (even though the mother is often portrayed as unreasonable.) But as I mentioned in my review of The Midwich Cuckoos, it’s hard to fault Wyndham for being a product of his age. Brian Aldiss, writing the introduction to this 2010 Penguin edition, describes it as “an antique charm.”
Anyway, this is where the similarities with his previous books end. As I said earlier, Chocky is not an apocalyptic novel, and it also seems to reject Wyndham’s thesis (presented to a greater or lesser degree in all four of his most famous novels) that two foreign intelligences will inevitably fight to the death. Readers of Wyndham’s previous novels will certainly feel a bit of frisson when Chocky asks Matthew (more than once) exactly where Earth is, and comments that it’s a lot nicer than where she’s from. I won’t spoil the plot, but suffice to say that Chocky is one of Wyndham’s more optimistic stories. The final line in the book – which is actually an image – is surprisingly and deeply affecting, and works on multiple levels. Chocky is an excellent novella, which is perhaps not as great as Wyndham’s more well-known novels – but then, that’s a high bar to set. Essential reading for any fans of science fiction.
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LibraryThing member Kristelh
Book: Chocky
Author: John Wyndham
Published: 1968
Review: This is a story a science fiction story. A family; mother, father, adopted son and daughter who live in England. One day, the father notices his son having a sort of debate with noone. He is just turned 12 but all of a sudden seems to have an
First words: It was in the spring of the year that Matthew reached twelve that I first became aware of Chocky.
Last words: They had made a nice job of it. It looked just as if it had always been inscribed: Awarded to Chocky for a valorous deed.
Rating: I liked this story, it was easy to read but simple almost written more on a child’s level. I liked it 4 stars worth but really it is probably a 3 star book and really doesn’t belong on the 1001 list. I will give in 3.5 stars.
Author: John Wyndham
Published: 1968
Review: This is a story a science fiction story. A family; mother, father, adopted son and daughter who live in England. One day, the father notices his son having a sort of debate with noone. He is just turned 12 but all of a sudden seems to have an
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invisible friend like his sister did when she was small. The father and mother both deal with this situation in their own ways but also are obviously very loving and supportive of their son. The theme is that of aliens or extraterrestrials and their interaction with others. Another theme included a critique of wasteful use of finite energy sources with inefficient engines. “Most of your power is being used to build machines to consume power faster and faster, while your sources of power remain finite.” The author also briefly touched on the dangers. The government and/or big business wanting to take advantage of a small boy and an alien to the point that they kidnapped him and did medical procedures without the knowledge or permission of his parents. Its simple little story both entertaining and fun. It was written in the early years of environmental concerns and big brother government. First words: It was in the spring of the year that Matthew reached twelve that I first became aware of Chocky.
Last words: They had made a nice job of it. It looked just as if it had always been inscribed: Awarded to Chocky for a valorous deed.
Rating: I liked this story, it was easy to read but simple almost written more on a child’s level. I liked it 4 stars worth but really it is probably a 3 star book and really doesn’t belong on the 1001 list. I will give in 3.5 stars.
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LibraryThing member KVHardy
Despite the fact that the social elements of this story have not aged well at all, the story itself is a great read. Two stories are going on, actually. The one between Chocky and Matthew, as well as the story between those two characters and the human environment they are in.
LibraryThing member atreic
I have loved this book since I was very young. It's very quick to read, and very cleverly done. It's one of those books where the plot is good and the characters are great - you end up feeling very sympathetic to Matthew, his parents, and even Chocky. The ending is sad but exactly right.
LibraryThing member eglinton
Fanciful, exploratory story in the very un-futuristic setting of mid-century middle-class family life. The striking cover illustration on my brown-hued paperback of an old fashioned looking child with pulsing mind waves targeting his head gives a feel of both aspects. “Chocky” may be a lousy
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name for the advanced alien intelligence that possesses the child, but the ideas it brings forth are worth consideration. Show Less
LibraryThing member debnance
Chocky is another 1001 Children's Books You Must Read title, and I had the odd feeling that I've read this book before, back in my scifi/fantasy heydays during my 20's. Matthew is a regular boy until he suddenly starts talking about Chocky. Chocky is more than just another imaginary friend; Chocky
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asks questions about math and physics and brings Matthew to new levels in physical and artistic accomplishments. So who is Chocky? And what's he doing with Matthew? Chocky is just the kind of book that I steeped in during my youth, with lots of things to think about that take you outside this tiny world of planet Earth. Show Less
LibraryThing member arubabookwoman
This is classic science fiction written in a simple style. Matthew is about 11 years old when he develops what his parents Mary and David believe to be an imaginary friend. They are a bit concerned; after all, 11 years old is a bit old for such a development, but hope that it will soon be outgrown.
This is a short, engaging read. It's a "think" novel, not an action novel. While it's the story of alien contact, it's not scary or menacing, but rather actually a quite comfortable read.
3 stars
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They become more concerned when Matthew begins asking his science and math teacher obscure questions on subjects he really has no reason to know about, and begins performing actions that he previously was unable to do (swimming, painting artistically pleasing pictures). When asked Matthew claims that "Chocky" helped him. His parents consult a psychiatrist, and are appalled when he suggests that they consider the possibility that Chocky is real.This is a short, engaging read. It's a "think" novel, not an action novel. While it's the story of alien contact, it's not scary or menacing, but rather actually a quite comfortable read.
3 stars
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LibraryThing member Laurenbdavis
Wyndham. What a visionary. And this is a wonderful story, in part mystery, in part psychological thriller, in part family story, in part sci-fi, and in all ways, utterly hopeful, well, almost utterly.
And did I mention timely? Given the threat we pose to the planet, this book remains pertinent.
And did I mention timely? Given the threat we pose to the planet, this book remains pertinent.
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
Chocky written by John Wyndham is a rather short novel dealing with the drama surrounding a family’s encounter with an alien presence. Although the parents in this story, David and Mary, originally believe that “Chocky” is an imaginary friend that their son, Matthew, has invented, they find
The success of this story falls on the author’s ability to breathe life into his characters. As David and Mary attempt to rationalize away this imaginary friend it becomes almost humorous as they struggle to hide Chocky from other family members and the media. I found my sympathies went out to the Mother in particular as she struggles to protect her son and yet can’t help but wonder if this is a sign of mental instability in her boy. As for Chocky, she eventually realizes that she is doing more harm than good to Matthew and for his own protection decides to leave. Before she goes, however she reveals herself to the father and he gains an insight into this alien whose intentions were good, wanting to educate mankind toward acceptance and scientific learning.
Over all I found this “first contact” story to be a message for peace and understanding. A short, well written story that blends domestic life and science fiction in a gentle way. This isn’t the fearsome alien culture that we so often read about but instead a presence that presents itself as a teacher or missionary for the greater good.
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they have to abandon this theory when Matthew begins to express thoughts that seem far beyond him, thoughts about the rudimentary physics or questioning the use of our number system opposed to that of an unusual binary system. The success of this story falls on the author’s ability to breathe life into his characters. As David and Mary attempt to rationalize away this imaginary friend it becomes almost humorous as they struggle to hide Chocky from other family members and the media. I found my sympathies went out to the Mother in particular as she struggles to protect her son and yet can’t help but wonder if this is a sign of mental instability in her boy. As for Chocky, she eventually realizes that she is doing more harm than good to Matthew and for his own protection decides to leave. Before she goes, however she reveals herself to the father and he gains an insight into this alien whose intentions were good, wanting to educate mankind toward acceptance and scientific learning.
Over all I found this “first contact” story to be a message for peace and understanding. A short, well written story that blends domestic life and science fiction in a gentle way. This isn’t the fearsome alien culture that we so often read about but instead a presence that presents itself as a teacher or missionary for the greater good.
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LibraryThing member nmele
Wyndham is best remembered for disaster novels, like The Day of the Trifids. Chocky, the last novel he published, is not a disaster novel in the usual sense. It is about an alien scout who can only contact an eleven year old human boy. I found this short novel engaging, fascinating even. Wyndham in
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1968 was also warning here about burning up earth's non-renewable resources. I recommend it highly. Show Less
LibraryThing member datrappert
This rating is for the book itself. The audiobook version I listened to was very well narrated--no faults there.
A 12-year old boy, Matthew, is "possessed" by what seems to be much more than just an imaginary friend. This makes for a pretty interesting story, up to a point. The boy's father is the
As for the story, Wyndham doesn't leave himself much wiggle room for how it has to be explained, but when he does, it is a very ineffective, preachy passage that brings the story to a grinding halt. All in all, this book has a good idea, but it really doesn't know what to do with it. So it is mainly a bunch of talk. Read Day of the Triffids for classic Wyndham.
A 12-year old boy, Matthew, is "possessed" by what seems to be much more than just an imaginary friend. This makes for a pretty interesting story, up to a point. The boy's father is the
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narrator, and he is the quintessential stiff upper lip British man. All the women in the book, meanwhile, are shown to be either not as intellectually or emotionally mature. Matthew's mother refuses to believe it is more than a normal imaginary friend; Matthew's younger sister, although only two years younger, is portrayed as shallow and only concerned with the silly stories of a pony she is always reading. The wife's sisters are just over talkative, prying busybodies. Male characters, however, are almost always shown as reasoning adults open to new ideas. This portrayal of men and women would seem to have been out of date even in 1968, when Wyndham published the book. In 2020, it is absolutely neanderthal.As for the story, Wyndham doesn't leave himself much wiggle room for how it has to be explained, but when he does, it is a very ineffective, preachy passage that brings the story to a grinding halt. All in all, this book has a good idea, but it really doesn't know what to do with it. So it is mainly a bunch of talk. Read Day of the Triffids for classic Wyndham.
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LibraryThing member BibliophageOnCoffee
The strangest thing about this short sci-fi novel is how charming it is. Perhaps our world really would be a better place if some of us were haunted by benevolent aliens who are just trying to help bring us out of the cosmic dark ages.
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1968-02
ISBN
9781590178539