Author: Kurt Vonnegut
Plot:
Billy Pilgrim didn't always have the same outlook on life. At one time he would have looked back (Instead of forward, or sideways, because that is all people stuck in time can do) and pitied himself for the horrors and atrocities of the war against the Nazis, where cold weather and cold hearted men made hell on earth. He would have pitied his bland, loveless marriage after the war. Of course, he couldn't pity being murdered over a meaningless grudge, because dead people can't pity anything. But when Billy came unstuck from time, he found a better way of looking at life- the way the Tralfamadorians see life. Looking at his life without the veil of time, Billy can see the war was horrible, but it did end. His marriage would be bland, but his wife would be happy. He would be killed, but death really wasn't that unpleasant, and really just a new kind of existence.
Alex's Opinion:
This was the first Vonnegut book I read- I am now on my third. The writing style, the plot, the narrative flow, they are all very different from any other author I know, and very engaging to read. The candid, matter of fact description of our world as seen through the eyes of Billy Pilgrim is fascinating, and you may find yourself agreeing with the mad man. This books satirizes human nature to the very core. The plot deals alot in fate, as Billy believes (and maybe he can) he can see the whole future, and so he knows what will happen next. Seeing the pieces of the puzzle like plot fall into place is gratifying and well worth the read.
Who would like it:
If you are stuck in a rut, and want to try something totally new, check this book out, or others by Vonnegut. The deadpan satire is harsh and striking, so if you like books that aren't afraid to make you think, you may find a new favorite author.
Read it!
(Read a sample on your computer!)
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