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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
littlebrittofthis's review
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault, Suicide, and War