Flowers For Algernon: The must-read literary science fiction masterpiece

Daniel Keyes

Nov 2012 · S.F. MASTERWORKS Book 25 · Hachette UK

About this ebook

The classic novel about a daring experiment in human intelligence

'A masterpiece of poignant brilliance . . . heartbreaking, and utterly, completely brilliant' Guardian

'A timeless tearjerker' Independent

Charlie Gordon, IQ 68, is a floor sweeper and the gentle butt of everyone's jokes - until an experiment in the enhancement of human intelligence turns him into a genius.

But then Algernon, the mouse whose triumphal experimental transformation preceded his, fades and dies, and Charlie has to face the possibility that his salvation was only temporary.

Readers can't stop reading Flowers For Algernon:

'I am finding it hard to put into words the vast range of emotions I experienced while reading this tale of hope, perseverance, truth and humanity . . . I'm a huge fan of science fiction that doesn't seem too far away; something that I could imagine being just around the corner - and that's how I felt about Flowers for Algernon' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'You're watching Charlie, the main character, go through an experimental procedure that increases his IQ. The whole book, written in diary entries, let us see how it affects his life and how he struggles through it. I rarely cry while reading a book but I couldn't help myself here. It's a classic for a reason. Read it. You won't be able to put it down' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Heartbreaking and beautiful. Required reading, as far as I am concerned' Wil Wheaton

'This book is extraordinary, one of my favorites. It is a fast read but is is very powerful and heartbreaking. I read it in the plane and I felt a little embarrassed when I started to weep at the end of the book' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'One of those stories I wish I would have read years earlier. It's simply marvellous. It's about the nature of intelligence and how intelligence can be divisive. It's a very emotional book' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Ratings and reviews

Love the book. Amazed at how Daniel Keyes managed to understand and write as the character so well. Do not read the intro though. She gives away eveeything and al the emotions you should experience while reading this on your own. I dont think i am ever reading a Justina Robertson in my life.

The pace, the observations, the character constructs are all just superb. I'd consider this a must read for anyone. There's a lot to enjoy and plenty of cause for thought too.

It's an interesting idea and the author takes it through to it's conclusion. He doesn't shy away from describing the way life was for people with intellectual disabilities (or was it?) However the characters lack some depth in my view. I felt I knew too easily how each would react to situations.

About the author

Daniel Keyes (1927-2014)
Born in 1927 Daniel Keyes joined the US merchant marine aged 17. He won the Hugo for the short story that Flowers for Algernon was based on and the Nebula for the novel itself. He has a masters degree in English and American literature and is a Professor of English and Creative writing. He died in June, 2014.