I picked this up a week or two ago at Chapters, and started actually reading it one Tuesday or so, finishing it two days later. Some of the language is a little less PC that what one might expect to read nowadays, but that was to be expected, seeing as how it was written in the 60s, as near as I can see.
Anyhow, it's the story of a mentally-disabled man who has the opportunity to undertake a surgical procedure to 'cure' his mental retardation. It's been tested out on a mouse named Algernon, and worked exceptionally well, so they find someone who is eager to learn and improve, and get his consent to do the test. The book is told in journal-style, through "progress reports" that Charlie writes, detailing everything that's going on with him, what he thinks and feels and remembers and so on.
The story is really interesting and well-written; you get to see Charlie as he progresses through his development, winds up romantically and emotionally involved with a few women, and finds the flaws in the procedure. I had a lot of sympathy for Algernon, and also for Charlie, but he has a fairly resigned approach to it all. It's hard to feel really sad for him, because he doesn't feel sad for himself.
I'm sure if I'd studied this book in high school or university like most other people I'd feel differently about it -- same with Of Mice and Men, which I also enjoyed -- but this one was nice. I know Ben's about half-way through it right now and is also enjoying it.
posted by Jen on 11:54 AM
