By Joshua G. M.
Kurt Vonnegut is a much celebrated author, with a career spanning more than fifty years. To this day, his works are still appreciated by many, including his satirical, sci-fi-war story, Slaughterhouse-Five. Also known as The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death, Slaughterhouse-Five revolves around the jumbled and damaged life of World War II veteran, Billy Pilgrim. The text explores the concept of war through the window of Billy's life in not only a truthful yet ironic sense, but also in a non-linear manner. The story details Billy's life at multiple different stages, both in and out of battle, and attempts to expose the truth of war.
While reading through the story, the shifts in time were not only very unusual, but occasionally, somewhat confusing. However, the reasoning for this sporadic timeline became more evident as I read. Additionally, the bizarre clash between disturbing realism and fantasy not only creates an intriguing dynamic, but it also explores the question of war, much like the non-linear timeline. While these inclusions may make the novel's theme more apparent, it may leave some readers unsatisfied, primarily due to a lack of clear structure.
While Slaughterhouse-Five may differ from typical narratives, it is still both captivating and genuinely refreshing. With many motifs throughout and a fascinating message, Slaughterhouse-Five will leave you scratching your head in confusion and utter delight.
Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut, Dell Publishing, March 1969, 288 pages
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