Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a poignant and thought-provoking story that follows the journey of Charlie Gordon, a man with a low IQ who undergoes an experimental operation to increase his intelligence, leading him from innocence to genius and back again. The narrative is primarily written from Charlie's perspective, providing a deep exploration of his emotional and intellectual growth, as well as the impact of his changing relationships with those around him. Through Charlie's experiences, the book delves into themes of intelligence, happiness, humanity, and the importance of empathy in everyday interactions.
The story also touches on the ethical dilemmas of the experiment, the consequences of tampering with nature, and the societal treatment of individuals with different levels of intelligence. Keyes skillfully weaves together a narrative that challenges perceptions of intelligence, identity, and human connection, creating a touching and timeless tale that resonates with readers long after they finish the book.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes themes of mental disabilities, societal prejudice, bullying, and the emotional struggles of regression.
Has Romance?
The story features elements of romance, particularly in Charlie's relationship with Miss Kinnian, although the focus remains on his personal journey.
From The Publisher:
Winner of both the Hugo and Nebula Awards, the powerful, classic story about a man who receives an operation that turns him into a genius...and introduces him to heartache.
Charlie Gordon is about to embark upon an unprecedented journey. Born with an unusually low IQ, he has been chosen as the perfect subject for an experimental surgery that researchers hope will increase his intelligence-a procedure that has already been highly successful when tested on a lab mouse named Algernon.
As the treatment takes effect, Charlie's intelligence expands until it surpasses that of the doctors who engineered his metamorphosis. The experiment appears to be a scientific breakthrough of paramount importance, until Algernon suddenly deteriorates. Will the same happen to Charlie?
Ratings (425)
Incredible (103) | |
Loved It (155) | |
Liked It (98) | |
It Was OK (51) | |
Did Not Like (15) | |
Hated It (3) |
Reader Stats (768):
Read It (448) | |
Want To Read (219) | |
Did Not Finish (7) | |
Not Interested (94) |
6 comment(s)
“The more intelligent you become the more problems
you'll have”
Solid 4.5 book containing a journal approach to telling the story from the point of view of Charlie, rollercoaster of a story.
Merged review:
“The more intelligent you become the more problems
you'll have”
Solid 4.5 book containing a journal approach to telling the story from the point of view of Charlie, rollercoaster of a story.
****5.0****
Review soon
I read this book 2 years ago, but didn't fully grasp the intensity of the story. I have a little brother with down syndrome (which, by the way, is nothing like what Charlie experiences {for more information go to National Down Syndrome Society's website) so this book was especially hard to read. Daniel Keys does such a good job developing Charlie as a character and as a relatable person. This book really makes you think.
upsetting ending, but the book itself would be nothing special without it
Justice for Algernon
A beautiful thought-provoking book with an unexpected ending.
The people who we least expect can change our world and more importantly our own perceptions of the value of life.
What can you read after
Flowers for Algernon?
About the Author:
Daniel Keyes (1927 - 2014) was born in Brooklyn, New York, and received his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Brooklyn College. He was the author of eight books, including the classic Flowers for Algernon, first published in 1966, which would go on to sell more than five million copies and inspire the Oscar-winning film Charly. He also worked as a merchant seaman, a fiction editor, a high school teacher, and as a university professor at Ohio University, where he was honored at Professor Emeritus in 2000. He won the Hugo and Nebula awards for his work and was chosen as an Author Emeritus by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 2000.
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