Slaughterhouse-Five

by Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
Slaughterhouse-Five cover
Good Books rating 4.23
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  • ID: 5499
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
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.

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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