Reviews

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

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sammyisobsessed24's review against another edition

5.0

If you enjoyed the short story you no doubt had assigned as reading in Middle School English class, you'll love the full novel. It's as heartbreaking and beautiful as you'd expect if you're familiar with the short story and adds necessary depth to the characters and plot. You get such a unique insight into Charlie's mind and quick mental growth, as it is told entirely in the progress reports he writes.

liziabee's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

asi's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

yrc's review against another edition

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5.0

Short review which I'll hopefully elaborate on in the future.

I listened to this book on audio and I understand why it's considered a classic to this day. Charlie is a protagonist I believe many of us can identify with through his different stages of life, and I did as well, since I had an early age learning disorder.

This book definitely made me go through so many feelings such as shame, trauma, the yearn for authentic affection and positive communication, as well as most individuals' needs to really be understood no matter how smart or simple anybody is.

The idea of a brain surgery to increase IQ may seem dated to some, but even newer narratives referring to increased intelligence through technology or operation play out in sinister ways. I loved the characters of Alice and Matt, who despite serious continuous hardships, showed Charlie compassion and kindness. Those attributes are hard to come by and should be cherished.

While the book and especially its ending are in my opinion very unnerving, the story gripped me tightly and will remain in the back of my head for the foreseeable future. That is the mark of a well written classic, and if you can stomach heartache and no sugarcoating of reality, I highly recommend this book (especially the audio book)!

monazaneefer's review against another edition

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Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1 star)

Neither story nor message was memorable. The concepts were fascinating in theory but I did not enjoy Keyes' execution of it. Very flat (to what I remember because I listened to it on audio back in 2021)

Merged review:

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1 star)

Neither story nor message was memorable. The concepts were fascinating in theory but I did not enjoy Keyes' execution of it. Very flat (to what I remember because I listened to it on audio back in 2021)