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beardelzebub's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Ableism and Sexism
Minor: Racial slurs
ru_th's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
The Fourteenth Book is entitled, ‘What Can a Thoughtful Man Hope for Mankind on Earth, Given the Experience of the Past Million Years?’
It doesn’t take long to read The Fourteenth Book. It consists of one word and a period.
This is it:
‘Nothing.’
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
idreamofmeme's review against another edition
dark
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Science vs Religion: Who does more for humanity? The answer may surprise you!
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Anthropology and religious "worldbuilding" seemlessly flow with the actual plot. Its very funny in places, while still mainting a tone that doesn't undermine the more serious moments. The one criticism I would make is: Mona has no agency. This seems to be a repeating problem in Vonnegut's writing; He can write female characters fine, but he can't resist having at least one who only exists for male gratifcation.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Anthropology and religious "worldbuilding" seemlessly flow with the actual plot. Its very funny in places, while still mainting a tone that doesn't undermine the more serious moments. The one criticism I would make is: Mona has no agency. This seems to be a repeating problem in Vonnegut's writing; He can write female characters fine, but he can't resist having at least one who only exists for male gratifcation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Death, and Suicide
Moderate: Chronic illness and Death of parent
Minor: Confinement, Racial slurs, and Vomit
Ableist language throught, particularly about a character with restricted growth. Dated rather than malicious, Vonnegut always shows great empathy for all of his characters.