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Flowers for Algernon

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Flowers for Algernon

By: Daniel Keyes
Narrated by: Adam Sims
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About this listen

Charlie Gordon, a floor sweeper born with an unusually low IQ, has been chosen as the perfect subject for an experimental surgery that doctors hope will increase his intelligence - a procedure that has been highly successful when tested on a lab mouse named Algernon.

All Charlie wants is to be smart and have friends, but the treatment turns him into a genius.

Then Algernon begins to fade.

What will become of Charlie?

Read by Adam Sims.

©1966 Daniel Keyes (P)2017 Orion Publishing Group Science Fiction Fiction Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Emotionally Gripping Tear-jerking

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Critic reviews

"A masterpiece of poignant brilliance...heartbreaking." ( The Guardian)
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A captivating story and very well narrated. Very interesting to read this from the perspective of the main protagonist and see how his mind changes

Great story and narration

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Despite not liking the narrator, and despite the whole premise of the story being something of a cliche and utterly predictable, I found this surprisingly enjoyable. It had many neat little moments which made me think, aha this was an intelligent author. And the best thing - a year later, I still have a vivid feel for it. Well worth a listen

Memorable and intelligent

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I enjoyed getting sucked into this story and pulled along by its steady flow. It has provoked many thoughts about the mind and what it is to live in a human world.

A touching and imaginative journey.

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Paddy Gillooly. Probably the best book I have bought from audible. You won't be disappointed

Absolutely wonderful. And the narration!

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Classic tale, engaging and heartfelt throughout. a stark look at the progression of humankind through intelligence and then its demise without emotion.

Exceptional

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A beautiful book, full of humanity at its best and worst. I saw the movie of this book - but of course, there is so much more here.

Heartbreaking and Wonderful

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I can honestly say this is one of the most engrossing books I have ever read, I simply could not put it down. The book haunted me as the story challenges one to be more considerate and thoughtful. It really resonates on different levels, it is also highly original in presentation, it is quite unlike anything else I have ever encountered.

Thought provoking, brilliant

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A breathtaking masterpiece that left me deeply moved and inspired. Daniel Keyes' captivating storytelling and brilliant portrayal of the human mind make this an absolute must listen. The narrator did an excellent job!

Beautiful and extremely well read

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Best audible book I have listened to to date. And it’s also up there as one of the best fiction books I have read (including physical books).

It was very easy to connect with Charlie (main character) as he explored his inner feelings through different stages of “intelligence”.

On a personal note, it has made me think carefully about the things that are important to me. I would be surprised if anyone who reads this doesn’t end up having some sort of introspective awakening as a result.

An all time fave.

The best

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This book grips from the start and doesn't let go. So often we dismiss people with learning disabilities. So many don't see them as people. Beautifully written and narrated.

deeply compassionate

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