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A review by kamrynkoble
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
5.0
I can now add this book to the list of novels that have made me cry in painfully public places. It's my third time experiencing Flowers for Algernon and it's indescribable how painfully poignant this work of literature is.
Charlie Gordon is a man in his early thirties stuck with a mindset of a child. With an IQ under 70, he has no current life aspirations beyond maintaining his cleaning job at a bakery and making "friends." Despite this, he has a certain brightness and hope for learning that causes him to be chosen for an intelligence experiment through surgery. Flowers for Algernon is a journalistic account of Charlie's journey.
This is very much so psychological science fiction, a piece that doesn't feel far off from our future. Written mid-20th century, Keyes was beyond his time. The scientific aspects are well-written and believable, which makes the story more haunting.
The sensitivity Keyes has with the characterization and development of Charlie is astonishing. A "dialect" of sorts is used as Charlie's ability to read and write exemplifies his progress as it fluctuates. Nuances that went over my head the first time I read this were remarkable, composed with subtle grace. Keyes is a master.
This book is for those who appreciate studying humanity as a whole, how we treat individuals and how science fits into morality and justice. A spectacular and enlightening read, this novel is strongly recommended.
Charlie Gordon is a man in his early thirties stuck with a mindset of a child. With an IQ under 70, he has no current life aspirations beyond maintaining his cleaning job at a bakery and making "friends." Despite this, he has a certain brightness and hope for learning that causes him to be chosen for an intelligence experiment through surgery. Flowers for Algernon is a journalistic account of Charlie's journey.
This is very much so psychological science fiction, a piece that doesn't feel far off from our future. Written mid-20th century, Keyes was beyond his time. The scientific aspects are well-written and believable, which makes the story more haunting.
The sensitivity Keyes has with the characterization and development of Charlie is astonishing. A "dialect" of sorts is used as Charlie's ability to read and write exemplifies his progress as it fluctuates. Nuances that went over my head the first time I read this were remarkable, composed with subtle grace. Keyes is a master.
This book is for those who appreciate studying humanity as a whole, how we treat individuals and how science fits into morality and justice. A spectacular and enlightening read, this novel is strongly recommended.