Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Flowers for Algernon
Book Review: Ignorance is bliss
Summary: 4 Stars
In "Flowers for Algernon", Keyes presents the story of Charlie Gordon, a mentally handicapped person who undergoes an operation to change him into a super-genius. Throughout the novel, the story of Charlie's remarkable transformation is chronicled in a series of journal entries that Charlie pens himself, for as a test subject of this new experimental procedure, he is required to write down all his feelings and memories in a journal. The architects of this groundbreaking operation, Nemur and Strauss, are affiliated with a prestigious college, Beekman. As Charlie becomes more intelligent, we see the remarkable changes in him, not so much of the intellectual changes, but much more interestingly the emotional changes.
Keyes novel idea of presenting journal entries written by Charlie are unique and contribute to the mood of the novel. In his earliest stages with an IQ of 68 we can read his entries as they are barely legible, with no punctuation, poor spelling, etc. However, suddenly his writing improves and soon it has turned into poetic prose. Through this unique style of writing, we are able to peer inside of Charlie's mind. We are limited, of course, to what Charlie can see, but there are numerous flashbacks to his earlier life as the dimwitted Charlie. Through these flashbacks, they eventually piece together a puzzle that answers some lingering questions that haunt the newly transformed Charlie.
The thing that struck me most about this novel was the contrast in Charlie's behavior and attitudes while he was mentally handicapped versus his role as a genius. As a mentally handicapped young man, Charlie is likeable and friendly and has a boyish innocence about him (obviously, since he has the mental capacity of a seven year-old, at best). Of course, he is taken advantage of by his supposed friends because of his ignorance, but Charlie seems happy and content. However, as his intelligence increases, he soon sees these people for who they really are and becomes bitter. Indeed, as Charlie reaches the apex of his intelligence, he becomes alienated and had no true friends. His social interactions have become limited and he has become arrogant and self-centered. True, he does find a sex partner, but his relationship with her is superficial and fleeting. So the conclusion to be reached seems to be that a smiling, friendly, but mentally handicapped person is only that way because they are ignorant and don't know any better. When that same person is given intelligence and all the burdens and stresses that go along with it, then the complex nature of rivalries and competition turns an otherwise likeable "moron" into an overbearing, unlikeable "genius."
Overall, this is a fascinating book based on a hypothetical "what if". True, the technology for this type of operation does not exist (and certainly did not exist in the 1960s when the novel was written), but this should not detract from the novel. Indeed, Keyes has done a masterful job of portraying the human emotions and spirit of an individual as he goes through a startling transformation.
Book Review: Intelligence and Emotion
Summary: 4 Stars
An excellent story about intelligence and emotional life. It's the story of Charlie ("Charly" in the movie adaptation), the apparently successful subject of an experiment to build the intelligence of a retarded man. But as Charlie's intelligence grows, so do the complications of his emotional life. The story is as much about his growing self-awareness, and the problems that brings, as it is about his intelligence.
It's certainly readable as merciful that Charlie's intelligence, and his emotional issues, fade, as he returns to the life he had before his treatment.
Algernon on the other hand . . . .
Book Review: Just as enjoyable as I remember...
Summary: 4 Stars
I had read this book 20 years ago while in school, and decided to pick it up when it came on sale at Audible. While I did remember the story and thus knew what was happening, I had forgotten most of the details and enjoyed hearing it again as an adult. Keyes does an admirable job describing the emotional struggles of Charlie Gordon as his IQ triples. While the dialogue sounds a bit dated at this point, it was not distracting. I found the book touching and enjoyed re-reading it.Book Review: Knowledge is a Precious and Painful Possession
Summary: 5 Stars
Charlie Gordon is not very bright, but has a life that works for him. He does not understand the cruelty of his coworkers, so is able to see them as his friends. Because Charlie does not understand the limits of his mental handicap, he pursues adult education classes with hope of making himself smarter. His life seems sad to the reader, but Charlie is mercifully insulated from awareness of the world beyond his reach.
His life changes when Charlie participates in a surgical experiment designed to improve intelligence. The experiment succeeds, and Charlie quickly develops first ordinary, and then extraordinary intelligence. Readers see the results in Charlie's life and in his understanding of those around him. Some of these realizations are painful, for both Charlie and the reader. Charlie's life changes direction again when it becomes clear that his increased intelligence is temporary. Algernon, a lab rat that also benefitted from the experimental surgery, begins losing his abilities and soon dies. Charlie declines as well, descending back into the familiar mental fog of his former life. But now he carries the emotional burdens of self-awareness and memory of a more complex world.
This is classic science fiction and one of the most moving stories about mental handicaps ever written. Although it was originally banned from public school curricula, it is now widely recognized as a valuable part of children's emotional education. The book's painful emotions produce a worthwhile educational experience. I highly recommend Daniel Keyes' book to anyone who teaches and loves children, especially those with special needs.
Forgive a personal note: I gave a copy of this book to my wife, Lynnette, while we were dating in college. It was a rewarding bridge between her mature interests in special education and my lighthearted fondness for science fiction. Like Charlie Gordon, we build the bridges to others that we can. And remember them.
Book Review: Life Changing
Summary: 5 Stars
I was quite touched by this book. When Charly goes back home, you can't help but identify with it. You think back to your own family experiences returning home and it gets to you. The potential for bettering one's self is also inspiring. The plot, character development, and turn of events all make for one page-turner of a novel. Especially enjoyed the romantic episodes. The ending...the ending...so sad.