Slaughterhouse Five
Slaughterhouse Five By Kurt Vonnegut
It’s not often you get a somewhat autobiographical sci-fi novel, but I think this is exactly what Slaughterhouse Five was as Kurt Vonnegut shares his real life experiences in World War Two Dresden, and more fictional abduction by aliens, via the proxy of Billy Pilgrim.
The opening chapter of the book is an absolute masterpiece of writing as we learn of the author’s intent to write a book about being a Prison of War, and in particular, being in Dresden during the bombing. Then, at the end of the chapter, he declares he’s going to write a different book, one about Billy Pilgrim who also lived through the bombings, but meet an alien raced called the Tralfamadore’s, and got unstuck in time.
As we read about Billy’s unique adventure we start to put the pieces together of the authors own story from the opening chapter. Little hints of things. Similar people. Events from different perspectives. It’s a fantastically original way to write something in my opinion, and having read the wonderful The Siren’s of Titan Kurt Vonnegut was definitely the man to do it.
The story constantly time skips as Billy travels from World War Two, to his daughter’s wedding, his wives horrible death, and off planet in a zoo on the Tralfamadore’s home-world. We see Billy trying to convince the world, and his family, of the existence of the alien race, while noticing little holes in his story, and also wondering how much of this comes from his reading of the fictitious Kilgore Trout books (an idea I love btw, and may steal one day) But, whether he’s telling the truth or not, from my interpretation, is largely up to us.
The War stuff is obviously horrible at times, violent and morbid, while the alien stuff can be somewhat funny and irrelevant. There’s a sadness and loss present through-out the book, but also tons of enjoyable wacky characters, most of who came to an unfortunate end… so it goes.
You’re never quite sure what you’re reading, while never really being lost. You can disappear into his memories, or travel back in time with him, only for the conclusion of that part of the story to arrive later and still make sense. It really is quite the experience.
I’ve seen a few things written about this book and learnt that it has (or is) banned in several states, but I find that nonsense. The book does ask questions and shares opinions, but does so within the construct of the narrative allowing the reader to make up their own mind, or do their own research in regards to certain issues.
Slaughterhouse Five really is like nothing i’ve ever read before. Part autobiographical, part historic, part sci-fi time travel adventure. It’s funny and sad. Somber and insane. Ultimately however, it is a fantastic read from a brilliant author, and one i’d highly recommend giving a go and forming your own opinion on.
