Flowers For Algernon I read the book Flowers For Algernon by Daniel Keyes. It’s a fiction book, but with all the advances in modern medicine it could happen. It takes place over the course of a few months, starting in March and ending in November. The book shows how society treats retarded people. It also reminds us that all doctors are not all knowing, and some claim to know more than they actually do. 2. Character Introduction- Charlie Gordan’s character changes throughout the book. In the beginning, when he is retarded, he is kindhearted and likable. In the end, after the operation reverses, he