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Flowers For Algernon

The Best of the SF Masterworks
By Daniel Keyes
Series: S.F. Masterworks
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Check link for latest rating. ( 771,712 ratings, 43,747 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a science fiction narrative about Charlie Gordon, a man with an intellectual disability, who undergoes an experimental procedure to increase his intelligence. The story explores his transformation and the unexpected consequences on his relationships and self-perception, paralleling the experiences of a laboratory mouse named Algernon who received the same treatment. This poignant tale examines themes of human intelligence, the limits of science, and the essence of humanity.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this compelling sci-fi classic if you're intrigued by psychological and moral exploration. The story delves into human intelligence and emotion through the journey of a man undergoing an experimental procedure. It's a poignant and thought-provoking narrative that raises questions about the essence of self-awareness and human nature.

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Classic novel of a daring experiment in human intelligence.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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.

Winner of the 1960 Hugo Award for Best Short Story, and subsequently expanded into a Hugo-nominated novel, Flowers for Algernon earned Daniel Keyes the honour of SFWA Author Emeritus in 2000 for his contribution to Science Fiction and Fantasy.

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

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

'Excellent . . . extremely moving' - The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction

Welcome to The Best Of The Masterworks: a selection of the finest in science fiction.

Series: S.F. Masterworks

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes is highly praised for its profound storytelling and character depth, leaving a lasting impression on readers for decades. Critics describe it as a masterpiece of poignant and heart-wrenching brilliance, strikingly original with an unflinchingly honest narrative that provokes deep reflection and emotion. Its moving and timeless qualities make it a celebrated work in the science fiction genre.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399607766

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 October 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gollancz

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 240g

Pages: 256

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic Science Fiction Daniel Keyes Education & Reference Engineering, Technology & Agriculture Fiction General Fiction Sci-Fi & Fantasy Science Fiction Series: S.F. Masterworks

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.

Also by Daniel Keyes

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  • Flowers For Algernon
    Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking novel that tells the story of Charlie Gordon, a kind-hearted and intellectually disabled man working as a floor sweeper in a bakery. Often the target of cruel jokes by his co-workers, Charlie dreams of being smart and accepted like others. His life takes a dramatic turn when he...
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  • Flowers For Algernon
    'A masterpiece of poignant brilliance . . . heartbreaking' Guardian Flowers for Algernon tells the story of Charlie Gordon, a floor sweeper born with an unusually low IQ. He has been chosen as the perfect subject for an experimental surgery that doctors hope will increase his intelligence. This procedure has been highly successful when tested on a lab mouse named...
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  • The Minds of Billy Milligan
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