Cover of the book Slaughterhouse-Five
Bestseller book
Critically acclaimed
Has film adaptation
Buy on Amazon

Already read? Rate it!

Slaughterhouse-Five

byKurt Vonnegut

Who is this book for? Readers interested in anti-war literature, science fiction, and classic American literature.

Topics anti-wartime travelmythic journeymeaning of lifetragedy of warsurvivalexistentialismhuman experiencepsychological traumahistorical fictionWarFree WillSurvivalIdentity
MoodDark, Humorous, Reflective
HumorSatire
ViolenceModerate
Kurt Vonnegut’s masterpiece, Slaughterhouse-Five is “a desperate, painfully honest attempt to confront the monstrous crimes of the twentieth century” (Time). Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best novels of all time Slaughterhouse-Five, an American classic, is one of the world’s great antiwar books. Centering on the infamous World War II firebombing of Dresden, the novel is the result of what Kurt Vonnegut described as a twenty-three-year struggle to write a book about what he had witnessed as an American prisoner of war. It combines historical fiction, science fiction, autobiography, and satire in an account of the life of Billy Pilgrim, a barber’s son turned draftee turned optometrist turned alien abductee. As Vonnegut had, Billy experiences the destruction of Dresden as a POW. Unlike Vonnegut, he experiences time travel, or coming “unstuck in time.” An instant bestseller, Slaughterhouse-Five made Kurt Vonnegut a cult hero in American literature, a reputation that only strengthened over time, despite his being banned and censored by some libraries and schools for content and language. But it was precisely those elements of Vonnegut’s writing—the political edginess, the genre-bending inventiveness, the frank violence, the transgressive wit—that have inspired generations of readers not just to look differently at the world around them but to find the confidence to say something about it. Authors as wide-ranging as Norman Mailer, John Irving, Michael Crichton, Tim O’Brien, Margaret Atwood, Elizabeth Strout, David Sedaris, Jennifer Egan, and J. K. Rowling have all found inspiration in Vonnegut’s words. Jonathan Safran Foer has described Vonnegut as “the kind of writer who made people—young people especially—want to write.” George Saunders has declared Vonnegut to be “the great, urgent, passionate American writer of our century, who offers us . . . a model of the kind of compassionate thinking that might yet save us from ourselves.” More than fifty years after its initial publication at the height of the Vietnam War, Vonnegut’s portrayal of political disillusionment, PTSD, and postwar anxiety feels as relevant, darkly humorous, and profoundly affecting as ever, an enduring beacon through our own era’s uncertainties.

Language

en

Published on

01/01/2009

Pages

288

Format

Paperback

ISBN

9780385333849

Price Comparison

Editions in other languages

More books by Kurt Vonnegut

Show all

Books similar to Slaughterhouse-Five

If you enjoyed readingSlaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, you may also like some of the following books.


20th Century Classics

Journey through the dynamic world of 20th Century Classics, where modernism and postmodernism take center stage. These books challenge conventional narratives and explore new literary techniques, making them a must-read for those interested in innovative storytelling.

Show all

American Classical Literature

American Classical Literature captures the spirit of a burgeoning nation, with themes of freedom and identity at its core. These works explore the American experience, offering unique perspectives and cultural insights. Ideal for those interested in the diverse voices that shaped American history.

Show all

Satirical Politics

Satirical Politics combines sharp wit with insightful commentary, offering a humorous critique of political systems and figures. If you enjoy clever satire that challenges the status quo, this subgenre will keep you both entertained and informed.

Show all

Award Winning Literature

Step into the world of **Award Winning Literature books**, where every page resonates with excellence and acclaim. These books have not only captured the hearts of readers but have also been recognized by prestigious literary awards.

Show all

Classics

Step into the world of Classics books, where timeless tales continue to captivate readers across generations. From the profound narratives of the Enlightenment to the passionate prose of Romanticism, these books offer a rich tapestry of history and culture.

Show all

Humor

Laugh out loud with our diverse collection of humor books that promise to tickle your funny bone and brighten your day. Whether you're in the mood for witty satire or light-hearted escapades, our selection covers every facet of comedic literature.

Show all