Slaughterhouse-Five is Kurt Vonnegut’s unforgettable anti-war novel that blends science fiction, autobiography, and dark satire to explore the absurdity of war and the fragility of human life. Following Billy Pilgrim, a World War II soldier who becomes “unstuck in time,” the narrative jumps through his experiences—from the horrific bombing of Dresden to encounters with extraterrestrial beings on the planet Tralfamadore. With its nonlinear storytelling, sharp wit, and haunting meditation on fate and free will, Slaughterhouse-Five remains a powerful, genre-defying classic that challenges readers to confront the madness of violence and the possibility of peace.
Editorial Reviews
“A brilliant fusion of fantasy and stark reality, Slaughterhouse-Five is Vonnegut’s poignant testament to the horrors of war, told through a voice that is both profoundly human and darkly comic.” —The New York Times
“Vonnegut’s masterpiece is a daring exploration of time, memory, and trauma; a novel that defies genre boundaries and offers an unflinching critique of the senselessness of violence.” —The Guardian
About the Author
Kurt Vonnegut (1922–2007) was an influential American writer renowned for his unique blend of satire, science fiction, and dark humor. A World War II veteran, Vonnegut drew heavily on his wartime experiences to create works that critique society, war, and human folly. His storytelling is marked by sharp wit, accessible prose, and an innovative approach to narrative form. Slaughterhouse-Five is considered his masterpiece, cementing his place as one of the most distinctive voices in 20th-century American literature.
