Did I tell you I like reading the occasional book?
Every-so-often?
Usually — and if I have time — at night, when I’m in bed.
One I’ve been reading for the past few weeks? Is Daniel Keyes’ Flower for Algernon.
The book tells the story of Charlie Gordon: a man born with severe intellectual disabilities, and whose goal in life?
Is to become smarter.
And who is subjected to an experimental procedure to do exactly that.
Charlie benefits, over a course of months: learning languages, how to play the piano, and improving his literacy over the course of the novel.
Learning how to interact with others, and have romantic relationships.
Only to realise, at a psychiatric conference he’s contributing to?
That the effects of the surgery are temporary.
That his intellectual abilities are going to decline …
~≈§≈~
How did I feel about Flower for Algernon*†?
I have to admit, that’s one heck of a read.
I came across it, after googling for ‘good science fiction’: and coming across it in several ‘Top One Hundred Sci-fi books’ list.
It’s listed in quite a few, as the best bit of SF ever written.
I couldn’t tell you if it is or it isn’t.
But, my lord …
I think, in its sheer emotion, in it’s depiction of a man raised from idiocy to godhood, and back again? In it’s depiction of a man raised and then, through no fault of his own, falling down again? In a depiction of a man dragged out of a very real hell and being sent back again?
Is something you need to read.
Flowers for Algernon★★★★
~≈§≈~
