One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a novel by Ken Kesey, published in 1962. It tells the story of a group of patients in a mental hospital and their interactions with the tyrannical Nurse Ratched, who rules the ward with an iron fist. The novel is narrated by Chief Bromden, a patient who is thought to be deaf and mute, but who is actually fully aware of what is happening around him.
The novel is a portrayal of the dehumanizing effects of institutions and the ways in which individuals can resist and rebel against them. It explores themes of freedom, conformity, and the power dynamics at play in society. The novel was extremely popular upon its release and has since become a classic of American literature. It was also adapted into a successful stage play and film.