A review by briangal
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

dark emotional reflective sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

An interesting book with an engaging high concept. The arc from start to finish is enjoyable and emotional, if a little predictable. One theme was the main character (Charlie) and his emotional deficit compared with his newfound intelligence. The author chose to show this as anger. I couldn't shake the discomfort of seeing Charlie get angry with Alice, and rationalise that it was her fault. It seemed a very dated attitude and probably one the author thought was normal in 1958. Even though I was aware of the publication date, it still made me feel uncomfortable at times.  However, this did not stop me developing empathy for Charlie and feeling it a little at the book's climax.  Glad I read it.