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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
jayisreading's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
3.0
I would be lying if I said that I fully understood what happened in this book. There were one too many instances where I thought, “He is definitely alluding to something here, but I couldn’t tell you what that something is.” As a result, it impacted my overall enjoyment of reading this novel, particularly because it felt too disjointed (for a lack of a better descriptor). It almost felt as though the book was written more for the sake of being absurdist more than anything. However, and again, it’s quite likely that a lot of things flew over my head.
There was definitely an allegorical aspect of Cat’s Cradle that aligned well with what was happening at the time (i.e., responding to the Cuban Missile Crisis). Had I paid more attention during my US history class, maybe I would have had a better sense of what Vonnegut was trying to get at. I did, however, find the way Vonnegut explored religion through Bokononism really interesting with how upfront the religion is about its untruths. There was also the—frankly, scathing—observation that humans are just… stupid, especially in their pursuit to find meaning in their existence and often with the help of religion.
I think this might be one of those books I might have to revisit later in life— But this is definitely a must-read for anyone who loves working out what Vonnegut is alluding to, as well as his distinct writing style.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Death
Moderate: Body shaming, Misogyny, and Racial slurs
paperknotbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Racial slurs
Minor: Animal death
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.sygritte's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Racial slurs, Racism, and Terminal illness
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