1976 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest - Ken Kesey(Picador)

**"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest"** by Ken Kesey, published in 1962, is a landmark novel in American literature. The book is set in a psychiatric hospital and offers a powerful critique of institutional power and the dehumanizing effects of mental health systems.

The story is narrated by Chief Bromden, a half-Native American patient who pretends to be deaf and mute. Through his eyes, readers experience the oppressive environment of the hospital, which is controlled by the tyrannical Nurse Ratched. The arrival of Randle P. McMurphy, a rebellious and charismatic new patient, disrupts the ward's strict routines and brings hope to the other patients.

McMurphy quickly becomes a symbol of resistance against Nurse Ratched's authoritarian rule. His defiance inspires the other patients, who have been beaten down by the system. The novel explores themes of individuality, freedom, and the struggle against oppression. McMurphy's battle with Nurse Ratched becomes a larger metaphor for the fight against conformity and the loss of personal autonomy.

The novel is known for its vivid characters, especially McMurphy and Nurse Ratched, who represent opposing forces of rebellion and control. The story's tension builds to a dramatic and tragic climax that has left a lasting impact on readers and on popular culture.

"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" is widely regarded as one of the greatest American novels. It was adapted into a successful 1975 film directed by Milos Forman, which won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (for Jack Nicholson as McMurphy), and Best Actress (for Louise Fletcher as Nurse Ratched).

The book remains a powerful exploration of the human spirit, the consequences of unchecked power, and the ways in which society defines and treats mental illness.