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rickies0329's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jenpaul13's review against another edition
4.0
You never know where your life will take you within the world you know, or those you have yet to know. Kurt Vonnegut's The Sirens of Titan depicts the far-flung life and experiences of one man.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Malachi Constant is an incredibly wealthy man who learns his life's rough trajectory after meeting with another wealthy man, Winston Rumfoord, who periodically materializes on different planets with his dog and prophesied Constant's life and its intertwining with that of Mrs. Rumfoord, Beatrice. Traveling from Earth to Mars, partaking in their army, and making his way to Jupiter's moon Titan, Constant, also known as Unk after his Martian days, pieces together parts of his life after having had his mind repeatedly wiped while in the Martian forces.
In a relatively episodic manner that dislodges you just when you get into a comfortable rhythm and think you know what's coming next, the unraveling of Constant's life and the mysteries contained therein are portrayed as distinct entities of a more cohesive whole. Dabbling in matters political, financial, religious, and scientific, the narrative presents, oftentimes outlandish, thoughts and events to foster further contemplation. Using wry humor in situations and dialogue, there is a levity paired with the more solemn topics sprinkled throughout the text, providing a brief reprieve from weighty considerations.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Malachi Constant is an incredibly wealthy man who learns his life's rough trajectory after meeting with another wealthy man, Winston Rumfoord, who periodically materializes on different planets with his dog and prophesied Constant's life and its intertwining with that of Mrs. Rumfoord, Beatrice. Traveling from Earth to Mars, partaking in their army, and making his way to Jupiter's moon Titan, Constant, also known as Unk after his Martian days, pieces together parts of his life after having had his mind repeatedly wiped while in the Martian forces.
In a relatively episodic manner that dislodges you just when you get into a comfortable rhythm and think you know what's coming next, the unraveling of Constant's life and the mysteries contained therein are portrayed as distinct entities of a more cohesive whole. Dabbling in matters political, financial, religious, and scientific, the narrative presents, oftentimes outlandish, thoughts and events to foster further contemplation. Using wry humor in situations and dialogue, there is a levity paired with the more solemn topics sprinkled throughout the text, providing a brief reprieve from weighty considerations.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
angie_dutton's review against another edition
5.0
Very rare that Vonnegut pelts into full-on space opera but this is the closest he's been to it. Something refreshing about a "proper" writer engaging with that kind of genre, as it's something I love but at the same time most silly sci-fi - with the exception of Phillip K.Dick - I tend to have to lower my parameters and just accept that it's not traditionally very good writing, so nice to see it done so well.
sanguinesometimes's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
flobbinhood's review against another edition
4.0
So strange and interesting. An absurd story that I thought was akin to Douglas Adams until suddenly it got really thoughtful and philosophical at the end. Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend, but I'll admit I was left slightly bemused.
jairrob's review against another edition
My stupidity did, in fact, override my desire to be a Vonnegut lover
ccbaxter's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
lactomar's review against another edition
4.0
Overall a good read. Felt like Hitchhiker's Guide, but better. I thought the tongue in cheek humor and ridiculousness was more in line with the story (which was sadly, really really short). Otherwise a well-written and good addition to my sci-fi.
acsaper's review against another edition
5.0
A wildly exciting and all too pertinent read, as are many of Vonnegut's. Have yet to find any author who can better mock all that is wrong with humanity while expounding all that is so special about it! The underlying morals are numerous and free to individual interpretation.
Having refused to be a fan of 'science fiction' I still hesitate to assign the label to Vonnegut as is normally done. His fiction is in many ways more realistic and down to earth than many storytellers; despite being riddled with space dogs, chronosynclastic infundibulators, and Martian Armies.
The Sirens of Titan is a wonderful journey into the futuristic past, and not one to be missed!! To reiterate the Esquire quote on the front cover, Vonnegut "dares not only to ask the ultimate question about the meaning of life, but to answer it."
Having refused to be a fan of 'science fiction' I still hesitate to assign the label to Vonnegut as is normally done. His fiction is in many ways more realistic and down to earth than many storytellers; despite being riddled with space dogs, chronosynclastic infundibulators, and Martian Armies.
The Sirens of Titan is a wonderful journey into the futuristic past, and not one to be missed!! To reiterate the Esquire quote on the front cover, Vonnegut "dares not only to ask the ultimate question about the meaning of life, but to answer it."