Book Brief
325
Novel • Fiction
Oregon Psychiatric Hospital • 1960s
1962
Adult
18+ years
1040L
Super Short Summary
In Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the story unfolds in an Oregon psychiatric ward where Chief Bromden, a patient who feigns deafness and muteness, narrates the struggle between the rebellious new patient, Randle McMurphy, and the authoritarian Nurse Ratched. The novel explores power dynamics within the ward as McMurphy challenges the oppressive rules, leading to significant changes and conflicts among the patients and staff. The book contains themes of mental health, coercion, and institutional control.
Mysterious
Unnerving
Challenging
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
759,227 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ken Kesey's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is lauded for its compelling narrative and complex characters, particularly McMurphy and Nurse Ratched. Critics praise its incisive look at institutionalization and control, though some feel the portrayal of mental illness lacks nuance. Overall, it remains a provocative, impactful read with enduring relevance.
Who Should Read One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
A reader who enjoys One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey appreciates intricate character studies and themes of individuality versus institutional control. Fans of Catch-22 by Joseph Heller and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, who value deep moral questions and social critique, will find this novel captivating.
759,227 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
325
Novel • Fiction
Oregon Psychiatric Hospital • 1960s
1962
Adult
18+ years
1040L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.