The Free-Range Bookclub
Bookclubbers without boundaries in Nelson, New Zealand
Slaughterhouse Five – Kurt Vonnegut
READ FOR BOOKCLUB
Chosen by Rachel
A satirical, metafictional novel about the bombing of Dresden during WWII, which the author survived by hiding in the cellar of a slaughterhouse. The protagonist, Billy Pilgrim, becomes unstuck in time as a result of shell-shock and begins time-travelling.
© “This book is cleverly written; there is much to admire about it stylistically. The autobiographical passages bookending Billy Pilgrim’s post-traumatic stress are constant reminders that fact and fiction are tightly interwoven, giving the story more punch and grim effect. The story lets us know that both the author and protagonist are doomed to relive moments of their lives over and over, represented by Billy’s time travelling, which is comic but desperately sad at the same time. You can’t help but be touched. But, so it goes. A life-changing book.” – Rachel
© “And I thought” – Sophia
© “And from me” – Suzy
© “This book” – Jo
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Published 1969
Delacorte
215 pages
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