A review by squigglesbug
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"There are a lot of people who will give money or materials, but very few who will give time and affection."

I've never seen a disabled character written with more care than Charlie Gordon. I've never seen the subject of disability written with more care than in this book (in fiction, anyway). It's so wonderful to see this experience portrayed so honestly and thoughtfully, and it's a shame how rare it is to see something like this. 

Charlie's reactions to how he's treated by others both before and after the operation is so poignant. Seeing him struggle to relate to people and the world around him at all levels of intelligence felt so real to me. 

I'll definitely be coming back to this book time and time again.