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hikthur's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I'm not sure that this book is always likeable or enjoyable, and in many places it shows its age and the time period in which it was written; however, it's a piece of art that made me think and feel. There are a multitude of layers, and what the book seems to say at first glance may not be what it says, and what it says may still not be what it says. I think no two people will come away with the same view of things, the same takeaways, or even the same understanding of the characters.
And that's good.
And that's good.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia and Rape
There are a few moments where the time period it was written in (1959) show through.ericispublius's review
adventurous
dark
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Early Vonnegut with his satire charm while looking serious subjects in the face. It's twisted — it's beautiful
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicide
Moderate: Violence, Murder, and War
Minor: Homophobia
dodgerdad93's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was my first Vonnegut, and I wasn’t sure what my feelings would be heading in. What I found was a truly unique and rewarding experience that gave me an honest look into someone else’s diagnosis of what troubles humanity as well as what they feel we are truly capable of. While there is probably a group out there that doesn’t care for/understand his perspective, I found it refreshing and engrossing from beginning to end.
In terms of the more mechanical/stylistic components of the novel, I found myself just wanting to sit in its atmosphere more than anything, and his paradoxical nature as a storyteller and creative might challenge some. Its plot maintains a delicate balance between an incredible simplicity and an otherworldly galaxy brain, which could be a deterrent for some. His word choice and syntax were delightful and direct, but also incredibly deep and provocative.
Ultimately, I think that this story forces a reader to grapple with moral and ethical questions that are polarizing.
I’m so happy I read this book and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future!
In terms of the more mechanical/stylistic components of the novel, I found myself just wanting to sit in its atmosphere more than anything, and his paradoxical nature as a storyteller and creative might challenge some. Its plot maintains a delicate balance between an incredible simplicity and an otherworldly galaxy brain, which could be a deterrent for some. His word choice and syntax were delightful and direct, but also incredibly deep and provocative.
Ultimately, I think that this story forces a reader to grapple with moral and ethical questions that are polarizing.
I’m so happy I read this book and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future!
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Cursing and Death
Minor: Rape
clonecodes's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape
joensign's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism
Minor: Animal death
katelynwillliams's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
woke? no
genius philosopher? yea
“a purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved”
genius philosopher? yea
“a purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved”
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, and Rape
flyintothestorm's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Murder, and War
twintails_industries's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Murder, and War
5erinnicole's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was weirdly enough the first Vonnegut I read. I want to pick up more. I enjoyed the story and found it easy to read.
Several plots and themes felt as I would expect something written in 1959 to feel. The Sci fi style of that era is much different than I am used to, but still read like a romp in space.
There were strong ethical questions raised, as well as the overwhelming preoccupation with what is the point of life.
I look forward to discussing this with my bookclub.
Several plots and themes felt as I would expect something written in 1959 to feel. The Sci fi style of that era is much different than I am used to, but still read like a romp in space.
There were strong ethical questions raised, as well as the overwhelming preoccupation with what is the point of life.
I look forward to discussing this with my bookclub.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and War
cordial75's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
The Sirens of Titan is a science fiction, one of Kurt Vonnegut's earliest works. I found it quite funny and had me thinking a lot about what types of people and phiosophies each character embodied. But overall, I thought it was one of Vonnegut's weakest works as its told without too many wry details I know him for. I don't think his style has completely matured in this one, and it suffers a bit in 2-dimensionality as it tries to embody in its characters representations of different life outlooks in the face of a meaningless universe.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape