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A review by soph_whitecross
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
challenging
dark
funny
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
4.0
Wow. This book certainly wasn't what I was anticipating when I picked it up.
This novel is a classic for a reason, Kesey's writing is smooth and flowing, a masterful use of the English language and the world through Bromden's eyes is rich and colourful. I felt transported, I felt entranced.
The core theme running throughout this book, of resistance to conformity or societal norms, is fascinating. The tension in the relationship between the hardline, militaristic Miss Ratched and the aloof bravado of McMurphy is addictive to read. I was as swept up in the conflict as the residents of the ward.
The pacing, characterisation, and prose are almost perfection.
This book would have been an instant 5 stars but the book is deeply racist and misogynist. So much so that it's clearly not merely a product of its time but presumably of the authors views. I find it revolting that sexual harassment and violence is treated as a powerful way to assert dominance over women, but I still think there's some worth to the book. It tells us something about the relationship between men and women at the time. In a period where women's rights movements and progress were perceived to be emasculating, it's interesting to see how the author depicts that struggle. The author describes the black aids with vile racist language throughout, it's truly disgusting and as a modern reader it's just unacceptable. I think I'd like to go further and read modern critiques of this book that address the race relations depicted and compare them to the politics of the period.
I'm not sure how to square the circle in this review that this book is not only a fantastic read and of massive cultural importance but also deeply, irrevocably flawed. As a modern reader it asks bigger questions of how we grapple with the art of the past and "problematic" writing.
This novel is a classic for a reason, Kesey's writing is smooth and flowing, a masterful use of the English language and the world through Bromden's eyes is rich and colourful. I felt transported, I felt entranced.
The core theme running throughout this book, of resistance to conformity or societal norms, is fascinating. The tension in the relationship between the hardline, militaristic Miss Ratched and the aloof bravado of McMurphy is addictive to read. I was as swept up in the conflict as the residents of the ward.
The pacing, characterisation, and prose are almost perfection.
This book would have been an instant 5 stars but the book is deeply racist and misogynist. So much so that it's clearly not merely a product of its time but presumably of the authors views. I find it revolting that sexual harassment and violence is treated as a powerful way to assert dominance over women, but I still think there's some worth to the book. It tells us something about the relationship between men and women at the time. In a period where women's rights movements and progress were perceived to be emasculating, it's interesting to see how the author depicts that struggle. The author describes the black aids with vile racist language throughout, it's truly disgusting and as a modern reader it's just unacceptable. I think I'd like to go further and read modern critiques of this book that address the race relations depicted and compare them to the politics of the period.
I'm not sure how to square the circle in this review that this book is not only a fantastic read and of massive cultural importance but also deeply, irrevocably flawed. As a modern reader it asks bigger questions of how we grapple with the art of the past and "problematic" writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Medical trauma, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Alcoholism, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Sexual harassment
Minor: Homophobia, Pedophilia, Rape