One
Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest
by Ken Kesey
On one level this book is about society's dislike
for and eventual destruction of the unrepentant non-conformer. But on another
level it is exactly what the story line portrays - a brilliant look at
the abuse, oppression and even murderous nature of the modern "mental-health"
system. Modern day psychiatrists would like us to believe things are different
now, and that we have left those barbaric days behind us. This is not true
- not at all. Underneath the fancy terminology, expensive business suits,
well-funded "research centers" and "scientific" jargon is the same ill-formed
theories, brutal practices and complete failure to do anything positive
about the human mind and the human condition. In fact, modern psychiatry
completely ignores the human mind in favor of biochemistry and genetics
- it shouldn't therefore surprise anyone that they as a profession have
no problem at all with slicing up, shocking or drugging a brain. The mind
doesn't exist to them - so who cares what one does to it!
cor@whitevisitation.com
from The Zone, August 7, 1999
a great book with an almost flawless
morality
Although Jack Nicholson's performance will
always have a place in my heart, the film cannot compare with the book.
The story is so tragic in its inevitability... a delicate tale of salvation,
manhood, without being stupidly macho... about duty, power, conflict, doubt...
a modern masterpiece... read it!
tivaclare@hotmail.com, August
4, 1999
Powerful and thought provoking!
One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest is a brilliantly
narrated book that describes an era in our history with a magnificent truthfulness.
It is a very deep story riddled with symbolism and double meanings. The
characters are beautifully portrayed by showing both their weaknesses and
strengths. One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest is not only the tale of a group
of mental patients, but also describes human nature and what lies in all
of us. A brilliant novel.
BowlerHead@aol.com from
PA, July 27, 1999
Good Book
I have to admit, I saw the movie first before
I read this novel, Im just a really big Jack Nicholson fan. But then I
found that it was originally a novel, so I decided 'What the hell?' and
I gave it a read. The book just blew me away. Not that the movie is any
better or worse than the book, but the book gives so much more, like the
Chief's visions in the night, and more of his background. They're like
two versions of the same story, and they're both impeccable....
crashcolucci@yahoo.com from
Long Island, New York , July 24, 1999
A great novel
Has to be considered one of the best American
novels ever. Has there ever been a character like RP McMurphy. A Christ
like figure who leads a the patients against the tyrannical rule of Big
Nurse. This should be one every high school reading list.
A reader from Here, with
Kilroy, July 20, 1999
A Wonderful, Excellent Book
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is probably
one of my favorite books, and it didn't take me long to read. I like the
set-up of the characters and the way the Indian changes at the end. It
was a very wonderful book that I recommend for everyone. I gave it 4 stars
because there were some long, breezy parts.
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