A review by socialpsysteph
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

challenging reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is definitely a TBR vet for me. For whatever reason I just haven't gotten around to it but this was the year! I listened to this on audiobook and I think that was a great way to consume this. The story is told from the perspective of an unreliable narrator (he has schizophrenia), so listening was definitely easier than physically reading would have been. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters and the dynamics on the ward. This is definitely not a light or easy read, but would recommend for anyone interested in the history of mental healthcare/psychology. I think this story does a good job of humanizing those with mental illness and touching on a lot of the abuses that used to be present in these institutional settings. 

This book counts for Popsugar 2022 for a book with an onomatopeia in its title.

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