Description
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,
Classic novel of a daring experiment in human intelligence.
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.
Reviews
This is one of the greats: a story and a central character that have stayed with me for thirty years, from the first moment I picked it up * Conn Iggulden *
A masterpiece of poignant brilliance . . . heartbreaking, and utterly, completely brilliant * Guardian *
A timeless tearjerker * Independent *
Excellent . . . extremely moving * The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction *
Unflinchingly honest . . . it will make you reflect on your own life . . . and completely and utterly break your heart * Guardian Online *
A narrative tour de force, very moving, beautiful and remorseless in its simple logic * Science Fiction, 100 Best Novels *
Strikingly original * Publishers Weekly *
A tale that is convincing, suspectful and touching * New York Times *
Awards
Winner of Nebula Award 1967 (UK).
Book Information
ISBN 9781857989380
Author Daniel Keyes
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Gollancz
Publisher Orion Publishing Co
Weight(grams) 200g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 128mm * 18mm
