crufts's review
funny
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Kurt Vonnegut opens Slapstick with twenty pages written in his own voice, explaining the content that follows. Slapstick is fictional, he tells us, but it's also a kind of autobiography because it draws plot and character elements heavily from his real life experiences. With great wit, humour, and evocative language he then tells us about each element, including his relationship with his close and extended family, experiences as a writer, and the absurd way death had turned up in his life.
Unfortunately, these opening pages are also some of the best in the book. In between more clever, witty and humorous observations made in a series of short paragraphs, the plot feels loose and rambling. Some of the absurd and grotesque features successfully serve a point; others don't, and therefore feel unnecessary and over-the-top. For example, the incest subplot of Wilbur and Eliza Swain could have instead been a one-off misunderstanding by their parents, rather than being confirmed as real later in the book.
Other reviewers have commented on the overuse of the paragraph-ending phrase, "Hi ho". Part of the trouble is that Vonnegut already pulled this trick in Slaughterhouse-Five ("so it goes"). However, my main objection to "Hi ho" is how it's used like a laugh track played at the end of each joke. Few readers want to be instructed when to laugh.
Despite its flaws, Slapstick is still a funny and witty book that explores the theme of loneliness in an interesting way. If you find a copy of the book lying around, I recommend going ahead and reading it - though you may want to skip the more grotesque parts.
Unfortunately, these opening pages are also some of the best in the book. In between more clever, witty and humorous observations made in a series of short paragraphs, the plot feels loose and rambling. Some of the absurd and grotesque features successfully serve a point; others don't, and therefore feel unnecessary and over-the-top. For example, the incest subplot of Wilbur and Eliza Swain could have instead been a one-off misunderstanding by their parents, rather than being confirmed as real later in the book.
Other reviewers have commented on the overuse of the paragraph-ending phrase, "Hi ho". Part of the trouble is that Vonnegut already pulled this trick in Slaughterhouse-Five ("so it goes"). However, my main objection to "Hi ho" is how it's used like a laugh track played at the end of each joke. Few readers want to be instructed when to laugh.
Despite its flaws, Slapstick is still a funny and witty book that explores the theme of loneliness in an interesting way. If you find a copy of the book lying around, I recommend going ahead and reading it - though you may want to skip the more grotesque parts.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest and Sexual content
gringoamericano's review
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It felt like Vonnegut phoning it in.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest and Sexual content
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