Book Reviews of Slaughterhouse-Five

"Listen, Billy Pilgrim has become unstuck in time." Vonnegut's semi-autobiographical account of the firebombing of Dresden in WWII, Slaughterhouse-Five is acutely anti-war and darkly funny. It is a cross between reality and science fiction, employing both to explore the omnipresence of time as a character, rather than as something to be thought of only when we're running late and as the one thing that ties every person to every other person. This joint attachment to others makes everyone responsible, which is where Vonnegut's indictment of the massacre at Dresden makes its appearance. Overall, my favourite Vonnegut.

This book is one that comes back to me again and again. It's certainly not for everyone, and it was not what I expected when I first picked it up in high school. Instead of the war novel I thought I would read, I was thrust into something surreal and nonlinear, which jumped from an extra terrestrial zoo to the bleak German prison. The more I think about it, however, the more the reasons that this is hailed as an anti war classic become clear. In its nonlinear nature, the book captures the futility and the absurdity of war and provocatively parallels them with being an exhibit in a zoo on a distant planet. Unsurprisingly, the zoo experience is shown in a more positive light than the prison.

This is not my favorite Vonnegut (that honor belongs to the Sirens of Titan), but along with Sirens and Cat's Cradle this makes my top three. Readers who dislike SF or cannot handle nonlinear narration should stay away, but if these don't put you off and you haven't yet read this one, consider picking it up.

This was not what I expected, but I liked it just the same. It gets a little confusing with all the time-jumping, but does an excellent job of storytelling (if you can handle a non-linear story).

What I found most disturbing about this book, though, was the main character, who seemed utterly immobilized about decision-making. It's frustrating.

I recommend it only because it's a classic.

Vonnegut's beloved anti-war book is as current now (sadly) as it was when he published it in 1969.

Another classic. Very tough read, with bits of irony, satire, and truth about the fragility of life. An anti-war book with meaningful perspectives.

This book shows Vonnegut at his best, sliding back and forth through the time line of not only the main character, one Billy Pilgrim, but also through the time line of his own life. Having been present as a P.O.W. himself during the bombing of Dresden (during which he makes several cameo appearances) it is astonishing that Vonnegut can tell the tale so complacently and still fill it with such emotion. His descriptions of the tragedies of war and their correlation to everyday life on this planet are summed up neatly (and frequently) in a phrase that is synonymous with the man himself - "And so it goes."

"Slaughterhouse Five" is a very powerful book. It is the best put together, most literary valuable book that Kurt Vonnegut wrote. Commonly classified as an anti-war book which it is. Yet behind the anti war message, there is also a much bigger lessons to be learned from "Slaughterhouse Five" as it deals with universal themes like fate, free will, the illogical nature of humans and how life is only enjoyable with the unknown.

Changed my view of the world, as all of Vonnegut's books did. Sad to see him go.

My high expectations were not met by this book. I would recommend "The Sirens Of Titan" before "Slaughterhouse Five."

i'm sure i ought to have read this vonnegut book last of all, but instead i read it first, and missed out on a lot of recurring characters and background info.

Not all that good in my opinion. I know it's a classic, but it wasn't all that interesting or funny, and the characters were just carboard cutouts. Oh well.

A classic. A poignent, morbidly funny anti-war novel.

A darkly humorous take on war. Vonnegut mixes his own experiences as a POW with his standard style of surreal satire.

god this was good! i don't understand why this is on the banned books list, it should be on the required reading list. i'm so glad i read it.

A tough read, but worth the effort. One of the best representations of an individual being shattered by the events occuring around them.

It's Vonnegut, it's the best.

Classic Vonnegut! A must-read! Vonnegut teaches us, yet again, a poerful lesson about ourselves and our world, one we should never forget!

Despite being a classic, I found this book very difficult to get into and hard to understand. I would not recommend it to anyone unless they absolutely had to read it.

This is a classic, a humorus take on war starring an alien-abducted time-traveler, very strange - And so on. I'm glad I read it, but I thought it overrated - So it goes.

Billy Pilgrims oddesythrough time in search of what we are afraid to know. The ultimate anti war book.

great anti-war novel

A classic!

I remember a friend telling me that this book was one of his favorites. I am quite sure I missed the point. So it goes.

I could not get into it, though I really tried. Offering up in hopes someone will enjoy it.

Everyone should read this book.

This is a must read classic!

Vonnegut brilliance as always

What an excellent book! The novel is entertaining and provocative; a rare mix of comedy and meaning. Five Stars!

I have the 1971 paperback edition.

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