Sirens of Titan Book Review

Genre: Science Fiction

Author: Kurt Vonnegut

Plot:

    Constant Malachi's was lucky. Constant Malachi was the richest man in the world. Constant Malachi was the only person invited to meet Winston Niles Rumfoord, and his trusty canine, at a materialization. Rumfoord was once the richest man on Earth, the first to buy a personal spacecraft, and the first, and only person to become trapped in the chrono-synclastic infundibulum, a rift in the fabric of the universe that causes Rumfoord and his dog to materialize in locations across the solar system, and also allows him a glimpse of his life, beginning to end. With this knowledge he tells Constant about his future.

Constant will have a child with Mrs. Rumfoord on Mars

Constant settle on Titan with his new family

Before Constant goes to Titan, he will travel to Mercury, then the Earth, then finally to Titan

Constant's son will have piece of metal that is unimaginably important

Constant laughs at these ridiculous claims, for no human has ever been to Mars, or any other planet. 

Then Constant's company takes a turn for the worst, and collapses around his feet. With lawyers, debt collectors, and angry citizens about to pick over his crumbling life, a mysterious man offers Constant a position in the Martian Military, and a chance to escape Earth.

Slowly Rumfoord's predictions start to click into place, and Constant must try to survive in a solar system where fate  has cruelly conspired against him.

Opinion:

     This book was a bit different than my typical fare, and the different writing style was refreshing. Kurt Vonnegut writes a very cynical satire about humanity in general, and its interesting to read from this fairly extreme perspective. While this book is science fiction, the meat of the book is about society and people. The science parts are neat and practical without being overbearing or overdone. Vonnegut has a vivid imagination, and very original ideas. The "Sophoclean" type plot makes it a page turner. I heartily enjoyed it, and will look for more by the author. 

Who would like it:

     This book is somewhat dark and serious, so if you are look for a more light-hearted book, this may not be for you. That said, I think it was very well written, and the style of writing is new and bold, at least it was when I read it. College age or older would get the most enjoyment out of it I believe. 

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