Classics · Literary
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Con man Randle McMurphy fakes madness to avoid a prison work farm and finds himself on a psychiatric ward run by the cold, controlling Nurse Ratched. The story is narrated by Chief Bromden, a silent patient.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1962
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like a classic about institutions, authority and one person's defiance.
Skip this if you are bothered by outdated attitudes to mental illness, race and women, which show up in the book.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
- What is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest about?
- Con man Randle McMurphy fakes madness to avoid a prison work farm and finds himself on a psychiatric ward run by the cold, controlling Nurse Ratched. The story is narrated by Chief Bromden, a silent patient.
- Who should read One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
- Read it if you like a classic about institutions, authority and one person's defiance. Skip it if you are bothered by outdated attitudes to mental illness, race and women, which show up in the book.
- How long and how fast is One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read, first published in 1962.
- Does One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Mental illness, Abuse, Violence, Death, Racism.
- Can I borrow One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Catch-22, The Bell Jar, Shutter Island.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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