Slaughterhouse-five

or, The children's crusade, a duty-dance with death

by Kurt Vonnegut

No cover — Kurt Vonnegut: Slaughterhouse-five (1985, Delta/Seymour Lawrence)

186 pages

Published Oct. 30, 1985 by Delta/Seymour Lawrence.

(32 reviews)

Slaughterhouse-Five, also known as The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death is a science fiction infused anti-war novel by Kurt Vonnegut, first published in 1969. It follows the life and experiences of Billy Pilgrim, from his early years to his time as an American soldier and chaplain's assistant during World War II, to the post-war years, with Billy occasionally traveling through time. The text centers on Billy's capture by the German Army and his survival of the Allied firebombing of Dresden as a prisoner of war, an experience which Vonnegut himself lived through as an American serviceman. The work has been called an example of "unmatched moral clarity" and "one of the most enduring antiwar novels of all time".

46 editions

hsubu reviewed Slaughterhouse-five, Or, The Children's Crusade by Kurt Vonnegut

Review of 'Slaughterhouse-Five' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

I liked how Vonnegut manages to tell a poignant war story in a gentle way, without any attempt to glorify anything or anyone. I guess this became a classic because it makes people reflect on their values and their approach to life. And maybe even prompt them to question their own views. To do the above through a novel in a gentle way is the accomplishment of this book.

This is my first Vonnegut novel. When I was reading it, I was surprised how much Douglas Adams' (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) style was influenced by Vonnegut.

malglam reviewed Slaughterhouse-five, Or, The Children's Crusade by Kurt Vonnegut

Review of "Slaughterhouse-five, Or, The Children's Crusade" on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Al principio no sabía muy bien dónde iba. Al poco, me di cuenta de que no iba a ningún sitio y me dediqué a disfrutar del absurdo. Divertido y extraño.

Ankur Sinha reviewed Slaughterhouse-five or the children's crusade : a duty dance with death by Kurt Vonnegut

Review of "Slaughterhouse-five or the children's crusade : a duty dance with death" on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

I'm not a war buff and only picked up this book when a friend mentioned it had a bit of science fiction in it. The book is unlike any I've read. While it makes the reader realise the atrocities of war, the way it's written gives it a darkly comic feel. The book is a must read. So it goes..