Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - The Sirens of Titan

If you're into more acutely sci-fi novels but are interested in exploring more complex literary fiction, or if you want to get started with Vonnegut specifically, this is a very solid place to start. Otherwise, maybe put this one lower on the to-be-read list and save it for a rainy day.

A bit unnecessarily edgy in certain spots though

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5erinnicole's review against another edition

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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.

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gomoon's review against another edition

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adventurous funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Weird, fun and smart.

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littlebrittofthis's review

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adventurous mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

If you’ve read any Vonnegut, you know writing a review for this book is so difficult without spoiling any major parts of the plot. Nevertheless, I will do my best.

Two rich, privileged men, one who seems to have divine luck, and one who has perhaps found how to manufacture such luck, sit at the center of this novel. An alien invasion, interplanetary travel, an ether between what we know and what we will see in the future, and the question of predestination: this novel covers a variety of topics in a short span of time.

To spare any spoilers from this absolute ride, I can only recommend this. This is Vonnegut’s second published book and it didn’t take him very long in his career to find his voice. The short paragraphs, snappy sentences, black humor, and satirical wit are all on show here, it’s astounding that he was able to develop his unique style so early in his career. Vonnegut seemingly allowed his thoughts to flow more freely, jumping from the implications of time travel, to love and purpose and happiness, to the centered question: does mankind truly have free will?

It’s absurd, it’s funny, it’s meaningful without making declarations: it’s an often overlooked triumph. Read this if you like stories low on stakes but high in sci-fi concept with a satirical twist.

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arya_pirate_queen's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

Ages poorly, not worth your time

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germhotel's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This one definitely missed the mark for me. I felt it was lacking in a central premise and/or meaningful philosophy compared to other works by Vonnegut.

Also minus an additional star because I cannot even articulate how frustrating the treatment of the character Bee was throughout the entire novel.

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