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A review by samdalefox
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I'm still not sure I have the right words to do Flowers for Algernon justice. I loved this book. I was emotionally and intellectually invested from the start, and absolutely devastated by the end. One of the few books that have made me cry. One of the few books I will definitely re-read. Just Google quotes from the book for a taster.
Themes exploring: disability, mental capacity, discrimination, society's (and self) value of productivity over everything else, IQ, EQ, memory, ethical questions about scientific experimentation, philosophical questions around identity and existence, the human nature of connections to self, others, and animals, the human nature of 'othering' e.g. bullying vs compassion. A key question explored: Is ignorance really bliss? A key takeaway: compassion, love, and connection is more important than pure intellect.
The story is easy to read and superbly written, I didn't want to put it down. You really get a sense of Charly's thoughts and state of mind throughout. The changing grammar, lexicon, complexity of language, connection of ideas, frustration at himself, others, the world, all beautifully reflect his development.
I don't know what else to say. One of my favourite books of all time. I would definitely recommend. If anyone would like to buy me the perfect gift: a first edition copy of Flowers for Algernon please.
Themes exploring: disability, mental capacity, discrimination, society's (and self) value of productivity over everything else, IQ, EQ, memory, ethical questions about scientific experimentation, philosophical questions around identity and existence, the human nature of connections to self, others, and animals, the human nature of 'othering' e.g. bullying vs compassion. A key question explored: Is ignorance really bliss? A key takeaway: compassion, love, and connection is more important than pure intellect.
The story is easy to read and superbly written, I didn't want to put it down. You really get a sense of Charly's thoughts and state of mind throughout. The changing grammar, lexicon, complexity of language, connection of ideas, frustration at himself, others, the world, all beautifully reflect his development.
I don't know what else to say. One of my favourite books of all time. I would definitely recommend. If anyone would like to buy me the perfect gift: a first edition copy of Flowers for Algernon please.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Mental illness
Minor: Ableism, Animal death, Sexual content, and Abandonment