One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest - Ken Kesey

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

By Ken Kesey

  • Release Date: 1963-02-01
  • Genre: Classics
4.5 Score: 4.5 (From 792 Ratings)

Description

An international bestseller and the basis for the hugely successful film, Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is one of the defining works of the 1960s.

In this classic novel, Ken Kesey’s hero is Randle Patrick McMurphy, a boisterous, brawling, fun-loving rebel who swaggers into the world of a mental hospital and takes over. A lusty, life-affirming fighter, McMurphy rallies the other patients around him by challenging the dictatorship of Nurse Ratched. He promotes gambling in the ward, smuggles in wine and women, and openly defies the rules at every turn. But this defiance, which starts as a sport, soon develops into a grim struggle, an all-out war between two relentless opponents: Nurse Ratched, backed by the full power of authority, and McMurphy, who has only his own indomitable will. What happens when Nurse Ratched uses her ultimate weapon against McMurphy provides the story’s shocking climax.

“BRILLIANT!”—Time

“A SMASHING ACHIEVEMENT...A TRULY ORIGINAL NOVEL!”—Mark Schorer

“Mr. Kesey has created a world that is convincing, alive and glowing within its own boundaries...His is a large, robust talent, and he has written a large, robust book.”—Saturday Review

Reviews

  • Many Layers

    5
    By M_Lubo
    Amazing writing that weaves a story that at time seems far-fetched until we realize that it is entirely possible. At the same time the story integrates important lessons in human behavior and mental illness. Highly recommended.
  • Slow yet Melodic

    3
    By Jamion3
    3.5 Drags throughout the whole novel but picks up towards the end for an amazing climax.
  • Not so much better than the movie, but different.

    5
    By Ampahl
    A great read from beginning to end. I watched the movie several years back so I knew the broad strokes of the story but there are significant differences, mainly the narrator, that I didn't anticipate. The movie is a great, and the book is better in the sense that it adds emotional depth and hooks into you harder. Well worth your time.
  • Fantastic Ken. Just Fantastic.

    5
    By Normanjoeman
    Second time reading this, gotta say I love this story to death. It’s a good one man.
  • One flew Over the Cuckoos Nest

    4
    By Kitty1234 (^-^)
    Beyond Interesting! Believable conversations among 'insane' and mentally challenged patients.📔
  • I’m Tired

    5
    By Sean Dahlgren
    The “I’m Tired” passage is the best part of any book that I have ever read. I can’t even describe it
  • Intense tale explores sexuality, abuse, and violence

    5
    By Holabacho
    This interesting novel explores the power abuse has on individuals. While it is an important book for people to read, children will be traumatizing(due to extreme and vulgar language, explicit sexual activity, and graphic abuse)
  • One flew west...one flee over the cuckoos nest

    5
    By Z Younk
    This books is not only a page-turner, fantastically written but it has enough rich symbolism and subtext to keep you thinking long after you close it. A poignant look at society's hang ups and individuality stifling praxis, One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest speaks to every member of the counterculture for which it was intended and provides a sobering look at the true nature of asylums. Ratched is as actually manipulative and done erring as she thinks McMurphy is, and the toe create a chemistry and rivalry like none I've ever seen in modern literature. Not to mention RP McMurphy is the only literary character who's personae transitions from page to screen completely flawlessly. Bromden's visions also evoke a kind of analytical reaction and immersive imagery that must be read a few times to fully be appreciated.
  • One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

    5
    By Mack&Chief
    Chief o.e
  • One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nests

    5
    By *goodgirl*
    I have always wanted to read this book, don't know what took me so long to do it! Completely captivating from page 1. True classic.

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