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Flowers for Algernon

By Daniel Keyes

(133)

| Paperback | 9780156030083

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Book Description

With more than five million copies sold, Flowers for Algernon is the beloved, classic story of a mentally disabled man whose experimental quest for intelligence mirrors that of Algernon, an extraordinary lab mouse. In poignant diary entries, Charlie tells how a brain operation increases his IContinue

Critics

'Flowers for Algernon' by Daniel Keyes

It was initially published as a novella in 1959 for which it won the best short fiction prize at the 1960 Hugo Awards. Keyes then expanded it into a full-length novel but it was rejected by five publishers. When it was finally printed by Harcourt in ... (read full critics)

readingmatters published on Tue, 28 Sep 2010

9 Reviews

1 person find this helpful

Flowers for Algernon

This was a wonderful novel about a human experiment. This was a retarded boy 32 years old, that is involved into a scientific experiment. He gets a brain surgeon, and he becomes a genius, but for a limited time. After that time, he goes back to be a retarded young man.
I really liked it, because I ... (continue)

This was a wonderful novel about a human experiment. This was a retarded boy 32 years old, that is involved into a scientific experiment. He gets a brain surgeon, and he becomes a genius, but for a limited time. After that time, he goes back to be a retarded young man.
I really liked it, because I think it is very difficult for the author to hide himself behind his character, and talk with his character's voice when he was retarded, he becomes a genius, and he becomes retarded again. I really felt emotions while reading this. I recomend this novel.

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ariadna73 said on May 10, 2010 | Add your feedback

1 person find this helpful

whoever introduced this book to me, thanks! it is a great book, sad reality but every word is very true

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pepcook said on Apr 10, 2007 | 1 feedback

Though it's classified as science fiction, Flowers for Algernon is much more than that. It delves deep into the human mind, provokes introspection on human relationships, and forces us to confront a philosophical question: What does it mean to be yourself? The book was first published in 19 ... (continue)

Though it's classified as science fiction, Flowers for Algernon is much more than that. It delves deep into the human mind, provokes introspection on human relationships, and forces us to confront a philosophical question: What does it mean to be yourself? The book was first published in 1958, and 53 years later, it still feels recent and relevant. We still don't know if it is possible to surgically raise a person's intelligence. We are still stymied by the intricacies of human relationships. We still debate what self-identity truly is.
Academics aside, Flowers for Algernon is a touching novel. It breaks my heart when Charlie is deserted by friends as his IQ goes up. I feel anxious when the two Charlies struggle to gain control. I rejoice when Charlie is finally able to express his love for Alice. Though he doesn't meet a good end, he has still earned something precious - he has understood what being human really means, even for a short while.
This is a classic novel that will never be out-dated.

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Holmes said on Oct 24, 2011 | Add your feedback

Good book

It is interesting and easy to read one.A simple story but is good in descrption Charles before and after operation. High EQ is good or bad to him? Worth to read.

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Coke said on May 4, 2010 | Add your feedback

I feel so sad in the end.....

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Karissa said on May 27, 2009 | Add your feedback

Been hearing about this book forever but never got a chance to read it. Now that I finished I really can't help but think it was way overrated. On a side note, I find Charlie to be very pathetic and self-centered. It's so painful to finish a book when the main character is not likable.

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Vickywt said on May 17, 2009 | Add your feedback