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emilymdxn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, Violence, and Mental illness
ninetytimesnine's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual violence, Sexism, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
abbyomlor's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Violence, Suicide, Rape, Racism, and Racial slurs
raegan's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This was my first Vonnegut read, and while I don't necessarily feel like it was what I personally was looking for in a read, I must say it intrigued me to pick up another one of his novels. Personally, his writing style was a bit dry for me (reminds me of Orwell, for reference). The societal criticisms are delivered rather frankly before moving on--no frills-- so if that's your thing I think you'll enjoy it.
I do think this book is really unique, and I appreciate that. First of all, Vonnegut literally lays out what the plot will look like before it happens. Depending on the person, this could either be frustrating or intriguing. Second, I don't know if I've ever read fiction where the author literally inserts themself into the story, both to indicate the inspiration behind certain characters and plot points and as a sort of meta-agent in the plot. It was honestly a delightful experience as a reader, and I think adds a lot to the themes of free will and Vonnegut's perspective on art and authorship. Lastly, the illustrations. They aren't usually necessary to one's understanding of the book, but add a lot to the tone/voice and the comedic style. Some of the illustrations themselves made me giggle.
Overall, I think this book was not exactly what I was expecting, but I also can't say I was entirely disappointed. It's humorous and silly but simultaneously gives an interesting perspective on the classic criticisms of American society and human nature in general, despite some of them feeling a bit overbaked (I remind myself, this was the 70s). I generally enjoyed myself.
I do think this book is really unique, and I appreciate that. First of all, Vonnegut literally lays out what the plot will look like before it happens. Depending on the person, this could either be frustrating or intriguing. Second, I don't know if I've ever read fiction where the author literally inserts themself into the story, both to indicate the inspiration behind certain characters and plot points and as a sort of meta-agent in the plot. It was honestly a delightful experience as a reader, and I think adds a lot to the themes of free will and Vonnegut's perspective on art and authorship. Lastly, the illustrations. They aren't usually necessary to one's understanding of the book, but add a lot to the tone/voice and the comedic style. Some of the illustrations themselves made me giggle.
Overall, I think this book was not exactly what I was expecting, but I also can't say I was entirely disappointed. It's humorous and silly but simultaneously gives an interesting perspective on the classic criticisms of American society and human nature in general, despite some of them feeling a bit overbaked (I remind myself, this was the 70s). I generally enjoyed myself.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Violence
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