1966: Flowers for Algernon

Book Name: Flowers for Algernon

Author: Daniel Keyes

Genre: Science Fiction

Year Published: 1966

   Flowers for Algernon was originally published as a short story in 1959, but as the full novel was published in 1966, this is the year I am using for my blog. It's described as science fiction, but it's not what I would typically think of for sci-fi - nothing too futuristic or over the top, but rather very much based in real life with the possibility of a medical breakthrough. As such, it was fairly easy to read and to connect with the characters. As the novel is split up into diary entries and progress reports, it was also good for dipping in and out of. 

   The book itself concerns the story of Charlie Gordon, described in the book as a retard or moron, who wishes to become smart so he can be like other people and have lots of friends and enjoy talking with them. On the advice of his teacher, he takes part in an experiment designed to increase his IQ, which has been previously only been used on animals, such as the mouse, Algernon. The experiment is a success and after a short time Charlie becomes extremely intelligent, though his emotional abilities don't develop quite so quickly. I won't go into it much more than that, as I don't want to spoil the book. 

   It is interesting to watch Charlie change through his progress reports and diary entries. At the start of the book there are many spelling mistakes and a lack of grammar which may make the initial pages difficult to read, but following the experiment his writing slowly changes, as spelling improves, punctuation appears and new, difficult vocabulary is introduced. At some points towards the middle of the book it became a little hard to read without going back over the sentences a few times, as Charlie's intelligence rises significantly. Fortunately the story line continues to be compelling and interesting enough to keep you going back for more. 

   Flowers for Algernon was also an emotional read, due to its treatment of the mentally disabled, and particularly the way people view Charlie and Algernon. They are thought upon only as experiments, rather than living beings. Charlie, who so wanted to become intelligent so he could converse with his friends, finds that people were not always as kind as he believed, and as the book develops he has many insights into his past, changing his view of co-workers and his family, amongst others. He struggles to integrate into society and turns to drink and solitude as his IQ increases. 

   Overall, it was very engaging and the epistolary style in particular made it enjoyable to read. Whilst it was sad in places, it was also interesting and thought-provoking, making it well worth a read for anyone in my opinion. If you find yourself getting stuck towards the middle, be assured, it picks up again quickly. Apparently the novel has also been made into a film - Charly - though I've not seen this yet, and I also understand the book differs a little from the original short story. Whichever version you choose, I'm sure you'll come away feeling a little differently about the world.

Other Books I Considered: Mott the Hoople - Willard Manus; Valley of the Dolls - Jacqueline Susann
Books I Read Inbetween: The Blackhope Enigma - Teresa Flavin; Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut