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Sarah Daglish (1 KP) rated Flowers for Algernon in Books

Jan 15, 2018  
Flowers for Algernon
Flowers for Algernon
Daniel Keyes | 1966 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
9.1 (26 Ratings)
Book Rating
The characterisation of Charlie was superb throughout. (0 more)
Sensationally clever without being pretentious
I found this book on a blog recommending books for depression sufferers, although I'm not sure in retrospect why this book was on that list. The book is written in the form of progress reports written by the protagonist, Charlie, who starts off the book as an adult with severe learning difficulties, during a less enlightened era. Despite his rough treatment by a society that fails to understand him, he is thoroughly charming, warm and kind, but above all desperate to better himself by learning to write and read. When he is offered the chance to undergo groundbreaking experimental surgery that will elevate his capacity to learn, he jumps at the chance. Algernon is a lab mouse who has had the surgery already and is considered a genius (by mouse standards).


Although this is technically science fiction, I found it more a focus on society and the perceptions of intelligence and happiness. I grew such fondness for Algernon and Charlie, I found the ending truly heartbreaking.

I'm not normally a fan of the sci-fi genre, but I couldn't put this down.