Tolog Review: Flowers for Algernon

Flowers for Algernon
by Daniel Keyes
reviewed by Ashley Bouchakian 

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes, a heart-wrenching novel, depicts the life of a mentally disabled thirty-two year old man who undergoes a surgical procedure to increase his intelligence. The story takes place in New York City in the roaring 60’s. The book is cleverly portrayed through Charlie’s “progress reports,” showing his mental progression throughout the novel. The story starts off with Charlie Gordon, who is mentally disabled, and is working at Donner’s Bakery in New York City, where he is being constantly harassed by workers who he believes are his “friends.” Charlie attends night classes at Beckman College, which is a school for the mentally impaired. Alice Kinnian, his teacher, recommends him to a research team at the psychology department at the college. Charlie undergoes weeks of testing and completes a series of mazes against a white mouse named Algernon. Once Charlie completes the surgery, he is informed that the progress will be gradual, but steady. Overtime, his intelligence and memory increase. With his newfound knowledge, Charlie sees his “friends” and supportive teacher, Alice in a new light. At the peak of his brilliance, he discovers a crucial flaw in his surgery and must come to terms with what will follow in the near future. 

The novel, Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes illustrates the difficulties of being mentally impaired and the strifeful journey of Charlie’s trying life. In the beginning of the novel, viewers experience hopeful and optimistic views because of Charlie’s innocence and his desire to be intelligent and “normal.” The procedure also creates the feeling of a brighter more optimistic future for Charlie. However, the readers empathy and sympathy for Charlie are constant. Towards the end, the novel is quite dark, morbid, and pessimistic, however, that does not define the book. Flowers for Algernon is brilliantly and creatively depicted and demonstrates an encouraging amount of bravery and dedication. Everyone should experience the cleverness of Daniel Keyes, Flowers for Algernon.