Flowers for Algernon tells the story of Charlie, a man born with intellectual limitations (he reportedly has an IQ under 70), who spends his days trying to learn how to read and write, while working in a bakery. During his studies, he’s identified as having a particular drive to learn which qualifies him to participate in a research experiment.
The experiment is not explained in detail, but the reader is led to understand that the experiment will help increase Charlie’s mental capacities. The experiment is a success, and Charlie progressively becomes smarter and smarter as the book progresses. The Brilliance of Flowers for Algernon is that it is written entirely in the first person; from Charlie’s perspective.
In the early chapters of this novel, Charlie’s spelling and grammar, and his ability to articulate his thoughts and feelings, are quite limited. But as he progressively becomes smarter, his awareness and his ability to express how he’s feeling increases dramatically. Eventually, as he becomes smarter than the even scientists who have experimented upon him, he also begins remembering things from his past that cause him to become quite troubled.
Eventually, he takes over the experiment and is devastated to discover that the scientists have made a grave error… and that his intelligence is only temporary. The clock is ticking and he will revert to being of the IQ that he was when he started. Though Charlie becomes incredibly intelligent, his emotional maturity does not keep pace with his IQ and he has great difficulty connecting with others and forming romantic partnerships.
Flowers of Algernon is a tragedy. It pulls at the heartstrings. As Charlie becomes more self-aware, the reader comes to understand the trauma of his past. His early simplistic perception of the people around him being his friends progressively clarifies as he comes to understand how they actually tease and ridicule him. Their cruelty, previously perceived as kindness, rocks Charlie. This was one of the many painful parts of Charlie’s journey, each of which were moving and effective.
I understand this story started a short story, and was fleshed out to a novel. I found it a beautiful and poignant story, and am glad to have read it. Intelligence, and it’s absence, are both a gift and a curse. And none understand that more than Charlie.
I would strongly caution against pursing this novel audiobook format, though. It really must be read to be understood. Overall five frustrated genius mice out of five.