[Discussion Post] Finished the novel of Flowers for Algernon…. I’m broken inside

Finished Flowers for Algernon novel and I’m sitting here alone in my room contemplating life and near sobbing

I know I know this isn’t a new idea by any means, most people already know this story and I’m late to the party but in the end I’m glad I made the trip. I read the short story when I was in highschool long ago and rly enjoyed it which led to me picking up the full length novel and leaving it on my shelf to collect dust. I finally got around to reading the full story and blasted through it in a day (it’s a relatively easy read but I’m a very slow reader so I consider this an accomplishment)

Charlie’s journey is one that I found to be so profound and hit so close to home, with his childhood trauma seemingly looming over him constantly and the way his environments change as does his intellect. Specifically when the story discussed initially how nice and kind he was when he hadn’t a care in the world reminded me of the blissful ignorance of being a child with no worries and the fear and existential dread that inevitably comes with growing up and aging mentally and emotionally. Since I read the short story I already knew what I was getting into but I felt a much stronger personal connection with Charlie as a person and his growth and eventual decline felt that much more impactful to me. I’m left now feeling kinda broken and empty inside and lowkey wanna call my therapist lol.

P.S. please if you get a chanse put some flowrs on Algernons grave in the bak yard 😭😭😭😭

by Duckmoodown