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momogoban's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
savaging's review against another edition
4.0
What are we to do with Vonnegut? This irascible wild-child, this manic-pixie-dream-grump, just -- just sit down for a second Kurt.
In the middle of a spate of Serious Nonfiction, fate (or the subtle influences of Tralfamadorians) brought me to this book. I have my critiques: the tortuous plot, the non-sequiturs, and most egregiously the rape that is never called a rape but treated instead as the rocky beginning of a relationship. I mean I know this was written in the 50s but come on.
And still, well, I loved this book. I loved the rollercoaster ride of it, and I also loved the deep nihilism of the ideas presented. And of course, more than anything, I loved Boaz and the harmoniums. Felt some real kinship with the guy who finds his life's work in tending to the simple life forms of Mercury.
In the middle of a spate of Serious Nonfiction, fate (or the subtle influences of Tralfamadorians) brought me to this book. I have my critiques: the tortuous plot, the non-sequiturs, and most egregiously the rape that is never called a rape but treated instead as the rocky beginning of a relationship. I mean I know this was written in the 50s but come on.
And still, well, I loved this book. I loved the rollercoaster ride of it, and I also loved the deep nihilism of the ideas presented. And of course, more than anything, I loved Boaz and the harmoniums. Felt some real kinship with the guy who finds his life's work in tending to the simple life forms of Mercury.
Mankind flung its advance agents ever outward, ever outward. Eventually it flung them out into space, into the colorless, tasteless, weightless sea of outwardness without end.
It flung them like stones.
These unhappy agents found what had already been found in abundance on Earth — a nightmare of meaninglessness without end. The bounties of space, of infinite outwardness, were three: empty heroics, low comedy, and pointless death.
austinhehir's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
rkragsdale's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
i did indeed cry and i loved Everything about this book. I'm also stupid and I give this 4.75 because vonnegut uses "an" in front of words that start with "h" and then a vowel ie. "hilarious". fucked up. also I think this is an interesting book to compare to brave new world. very good stuff. (rec by clint from old dominick)
maddymargo's review against another edition
5.0
a purpose of a human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.
Beautifully written. I’ve read all of Vonneguts work before and I think this has to be my favorite after a reread. It contains a lot of references to his past work and is heavily built upon ideas and themes from other stories of his — I genuinely think all of Vonnegut’s work cumulated to create this absolute masterpiece.
A must read. It’s hilarious and heartbreaking, confusing and perfectly obvious. An absolute masterpiece.
Beautifully written. I’ve read all of Vonneguts work before and I think this has to be my favorite after a reread. It contains a lot of references to his past work and is heavily built upon ideas and themes from other stories of his — I genuinely think all of Vonnegut’s work cumulated to create this absolute masterpiece.
A must read. It’s hilarious and heartbreaking, confusing and perfectly obvious. An absolute masterpiece.
guppyur's review against another edition
3.0
Still thinking this over, not quite sure what I think of it. This rating and review might change.
Stylistically and thematically, pretty recognizable as Vonnegut despite being pretty early in his career. I don't quite know what else to say about it except that it's pretty bleak. I wasn't as into this as some of his later work.
Stylistically and thematically, pretty recognizable as Vonnegut despite being pretty early in his career. I don't quite know what else to say about it except that it's pretty bleak. I wasn't as into this as some of his later work.
laketrout87's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.75
jordanmayne's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars but this is subject to change as I definitely need time to ruminate on the book.
It was interesting, definitely not for everyone. I enjoyed the new religion of Rumfoord and the ideas of free will and predestination being explored.
Might have to come back to this one again.
It was interesting, definitely not for everyone. I enjoyed the new religion of Rumfoord and the ideas of free will and predestination being explored.
Might have to come back to this one again.
blackemperor5's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5