Slaughterhouse-Five

by Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Kurt Vonnegut
Slaughterhouse-Five cover
Good Books rating 4.3
Graphic Novels / Comics
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Format • £14.24
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Paperback • £17.99
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Technical
  • ID: 5499
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781646680375
  • Publisher: Boom! Studios
  • Published: 2020-09-23
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 4

Slaughterhouse-Five is a unique blend of science fiction, dark comedy, and anti-war sentiment, brought to life in graphic novel form. The story follows Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes 'unstuck in time,' experiencing moments from his life out of order, including his time as a prisoner of war during the firebombing of Dresden and his encounters with aliens from the planet Tralfamadore. This adaptation by Ryan North and Albert Monteys captures the essence of Vonnegut's original novel, translating its themes of fate, free will, and the absurdity of war into a visual format. /n/n The graphic novel format allows for a new interpretation of Vonnegut's seminal work, with illustrations that bring to life the surreal and often darkly humorous events of Billy Pilgrim's life. The adaptation stays true to the original's anti-war message, exploring the impact of war on individuals and society. It's a moving examination of what it means to be human, wrapped in a farcical and time-bending narrative.

Reviews
Fantasy Literature · 2025-10-24
thought-provoking 4.20

On the surface, the book seems absurd and pointless, but that is the point: war is absurd and pointless.

The reviewer from Fantasy Literature notes that 'Slaughterhouse-Five' can initially appear absurd and pointless, but this is a deliberate choice by Vonnegut to mirror the absurdity of war itself. They appreciate the book's entertaining and humorous elements, which contrast sharply with its heavy themes. The reviewer also highlights how the book's structure and narrative techniques contribute to its overall impact, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read. They conclude that the book's message about the senselessness of war is effectively conveyed through its unique storytelling approach.

Quick quotes

    On the surface, Slaughterhouse-Five, though entertaining and funny all the way through, seems absurd and pointless.

    But that is the point: War is absurd and pointless.

    The book's structure and narrative techniques contribute to its overall impact.

Sandra's Shelf · 2025-04-07
excellent 4.50

This anti-war novel sheds light on the often overlooked tragedy of the Bombing of Dresden in WWII. It is a poignant and impactful read.

The reviewer describes the novel as a powerful anti-war statement that brings attention to the often overlooked tragedy of the Bombing of Dresden. They appreciate the novel's ability to convey the profound and lasting effects of war, making it a poignant and impactful read. The reviewer also notes the novel's unique structure and style, which add to its memorability and emotional resonance. They highlight the novel's relevance today, emphasizing its timeless message about the horrors of war.

Quick quotes

    Slaughterhouse-Five is an anti-war novel about the often overlooked tragedy that was the Bombing of Dresden in WWII.

    The novel's unique structure and style add to its memorability and emotional resonance.

    The novel's relevance today emphasizes its timeless message about the horrors of war.

LibGirl Books · 2021-03-20
powerful 4.00

The tone is authentic and powerful, with every word carrying significant weight. The book's anti-war message is clear and impactful.

The reviewer appreciates Vonnegut's straightforward writing style, noting that his choice of words is deliberate and impactful. They highlight the authenticity of the tone, which effectively conveys the absurdity and horror of war. The book's anti-war message is central and resonates strongly, making it a poignant read. The reviewer also mentions that Vonnegut's use of dark humor adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The tone is quite appropriate and authentic.

    Vonnegut isn't one to use a lot of superfluous words, but the words he uses carry so much weight.

    The book's anti-war message is clear and impactful.

The New Yorker · 2019-06-13
relevant 4.50

The book sees war as insane and the desire to escape combat as the only sane position. Its tone of voice is a deadpan farce.

The reviewer from The New Yorker discusses how 'Slaughterhouse-Five' presents war as an insane and senseless endeavor. They note that the protagonist's desire to escape combat is portrayed as the only rational response to the absurdity of war. The book's use of deadpan farce as a narrative tone is highlighted as a unique and effective way to convey the gravity of the subject matter. The reviewer also reflects on the book's relevance in contemporary times, suggesting that its themes and messages remain pertinent.

Quick quotes

    It sees war as insane and the desire to escape combat as the only sane position.

    Its tone of voice is deadpan farce.

    Slaughterhouse-Five is a book that remains relevant and thought-provoking.

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