Okay, so you've probably all seen the movie with Jack Nicholson... and if you haven't, you should, because it's excellent. But as good as it is, it must be said that the movie cannot, CANNOT compare to the book. Because here's the thing: the best part of the book is the voice of the narrator, the Chief, whom everyone assumes is deaf/mute but really sees and hears everything and is able to contribute insight and memories of his own that sharply contrast the events of the hospital. His voice is unique and un-reproducable, especially in a movie in which he has like two speaking lines. So... the book:
Readability: Very. The only complicated bits are the early ruminations of the Chief involving fog and the Combine and machines. Possibly a bit delusional, but on the other hand... one of the most clearheaded delusional people I've ever heard of. And relates it all in a way that makes you think maybe it's the world itself that's crazy, and the Chief is the sane one. As he says, "it's the truth even if it didn't happen."
Enjoyability: Very very. Intriguing, beautifully written, characters you get emotionally involved with... A book I will definitely read again.
Best quote(s):
"I can see all that, and be hurt by it, the way I was hurt by seeing things in the Army, in the war. The way I was hurt by seeing what happened to Papa and the tribe. I thought I'd get over seeing those things and fretting over them. There's no sense in it. There's nothing to be done."
"A successful Dismissal like this is a product brings joy to the Big Nurse's heart and speaks good of her craft and the whole industry in general. Everybody's happy with a Dismissal." (Oh lord, hope this has changed. Has it?)
"Because he knows you have to laugh at the things that hurt you just to keep yourself in balance, just to keep the world from running you plumb crazy."
Favorite character: I'm partial to Billy Bibbitt. Because he's so sweet and what happens to him is so tragic, and like so many of the men he is in the hospital because he was "never able to adjust to the outside world."
Least favorite characters: Um, duh. Nurse Ratched. Best example of abuse of power that I can think of. And also of someone who is in the mental health profession for all the wrong reasons. It feels funny to put such a weighty word on someone who is a nurse, who always smiles, etc., but... I think she is Evil.
Social impact: Well, it certainly says something about the state of mental health care, especially in state run hospitals.... something, as someone trained as a counselor, I cringe a little to think about. And also, of course, at the old practices like Shock therapy and Lobotomy. But also I think having the Chief set up as a reliable narrator and getting a glimpse inside his mind says something about the treatment Native Americans received in Oregon and elsewhere, and also about how veterans have been treated (that's where the Chief first started getting lost in the fog). A completely unique perspective.
I just realized I've written all I wanted to about this book without once mentioning McMurphy, the main character. But on second thought... no, nope. I don't really have much to say about him.
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