Many books are described as classics, but some are loved more than others. Readers also often mention a small group of novels that still feel important today. And one of them is regularly called one of the best stories ever written. People say the book is powerful, memorable and easy to connect with, even decades after it was published. 

It also went on to inspire a film that became one of the most successful dramas of its time. The novel first came out in the early 1960s and quickly gained attention because of its setting and characters. It was later adapted for the stage before the film version was made.

The book in question is One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Written by Ken Kesey and published in 1962, the novel is narrated by Chief Bromden, a patient in a psychiatric hospital.

The story focuses on the arrival of Randle McMurphy, who challenges the strict routines on the ward and clashes with Nurse Ratched.

The book looks at authority, control and the impact institutions can have on people.

Those who have read the book have fallen in love with it. One person said: “It’s the greatest novel ever written. I found this novel absolutely fascinating.”

Another added: “An absolutely gripping read. I went in knowing it was a classic, but I didn’t expect it to hit as hard as it did. The writing pulls you straight into the ward, and the characters feel so real you almost forget you’re reading fiction.”

A third wrote: “I read the book because the movie is fantastic and an all time classic.”

The novel’s success led to a film adaptation that has become one of the greatest films ever made.

It was released in 1975 and still holds a 93% critic score and a 96% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Directed by Milos Forman, it stars Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher, with supporting performances from Will Sampson, Brad Dourif, Christopher Lloyd and Danny DeVito.

The film was shot inside a real psychiatric hospital and won all five major Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

The reviews of the film tell you all you need to know about it. One person said: “Don’t even get me started on this movie. This is the most amazing movie there can ever be.

“Nothing is wrong with it. It is such an emotional masterpiece and it gets to your heart on a whole other level. Oh my god man. I just watched the best movie that I have ever seen.”

Another added: “What a movie, what an excellent movie! That is what first went through my mind after seeing this masterpiece. I’ve seen many movies, but there aren’t many movies which had such an impact on me.”

A third wrote: “Best film of its era and one of the best ever made. I highly recommend you watch it.”

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is available to steam on Apple TV.