Author Ken Kesey (1935-2001) published "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" in 1962. The novel takes place in an asylum and is loosely based on some of Kesey's experiences working at a mental health facility. Kesey was somewhat of a counter-cultural figure, linked to other larger than life figures of the time such as Timothy Leary, Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Hunter S. Thompson. This novel questions institutionalization while pondering the human mind, claiming there aren't many differences between what's normal and what's abnormal. At the heart of the story is the protagonist's discovery of selflessness, while bringing happiness and confidence to the other patients at the asylum. Themes include freedom and confinement, manipulation and power, order and rebellion. This story was adapted into a play in 1963 and became a film in 1975. The movie proved very successful and starred Jack Nicholson who put on an awesome performance as lead character, Randle McMurphy. I highly recommend reading the book and seeing the film. Both are excellent.
Author Ken Kesey (1935-2001) published "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" in 1962. The novel takes place in an asylum and is loosely based on some of Kesey's experiences working at a mental health facility. Kesey was somewhat of a counter-cultural figure, linked to other larger than life figures of the time such as Timothy Leary, Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and Hunter S. Thompson. This novel questions institutionalization while pondering the human mind, claiming there aren't many differences between what's normal and what's abnormal. At the heart of the story is the protagonist's discovery of selflessness, while bringing happiness and confidence to the other patients at the asylum. Themes include freedom and confinement, manipulation and power, order and rebellion. This story was adapted into a play in 1963 and became a film in 1975. The movie proved very successful and starred Jack Nicholson who put on an awesome performance as lead character, Randle McMurphy. I highly recommend reading the book and seeing the film. Both are excellent.
