Fucking brilliant post. I'm a huge Vonnegut fan but don't think I've read Sirens since I was in high school almost 30 years ago, remember Cats Cradle much more than this one; thanks to you I will be checking Sirens out the next time I visit the only government service I like, the library. Definitely think you're onto something with Vonnegut/Gnosticism, his experience of living through the firebombing of Dresden would've been a huge catalyst in his spiritual awakening.
Probably the best book review of an impossible to review book I've ever read. I was introduced to Vonnegut via Slaughterhouse Five, probably 20 years ago now. After that I devoured many of his books, including Sirens and Cat's Cradle. It's a curious synchronicity that tomorrow is the anniversary of the Dresden Massacre.
Thanks for the kind words and for that interesting fact about tomorrow being the anniversary of that. Maybe I'll watch the movie they made of Slaughterhouse Five tomorrow then!
Wow, thanks for the incredible effort that went into this post. I've never read Vonnegut (my high school education was wanting, apparently), but I'll definitely be correcting that.
But right now I'm hung up on the claim that 50-70% of people have no inner monologue. I simply can't believe it (though that may be because I can't conceive it). Do you have any other information about that? I'll be doing some research myself, but it's always nice to have a place to start.
Fucking brilliant post. I'm a huge Vonnegut fan but don't think I've read Sirens since I was in high school almost 30 years ago, remember Cats Cradle much more than this one; thanks to you I will be checking Sirens out the next time I visit the only government service I like, the library. Definitely think you're onto something with Vonnegut/Gnosticism, his experience of living through the firebombing of Dresden would've been a huge catalyst in his spiritual awakening.
Great book; one of my favorites. But it's not a work of fiction.
"No names have been changed to protect the innocent as God Almighty protects the innocent as a matter of Heavenly routine.
Yes, I forgot about that delightful disclaimer on all of Vonnegut's books!
Probably the best book review of an impossible to review book I've ever read. I was introduced to Vonnegut via Slaughterhouse Five, probably 20 years ago now. After that I devoured many of his books, including Sirens and Cat's Cradle. It's a curious synchronicity that tomorrow is the anniversary of the Dresden Massacre.
Thanks for the kind words and for that interesting fact about tomorrow being the anniversary of that. Maybe I'll watch the movie they made of Slaughterhouse Five tomorrow then!
A truly grand piece of written work. I shall of course get Sirens of Titan, I believe I shall enjoy it more with the 'cheat code' you've supplied.
I'll be curious to know what you think!
We agree that Sirens of …” is Vonnegut’s best book….
Wow, thanks for the incredible effort that went into this post. I've never read Vonnegut (my high school education was wanting, apparently), but I'll definitely be correcting that.
But right now I'm hung up on the claim that 50-70% of people have no inner monologue. I simply can't believe it (though that may be because I can't conceive it). Do you have any other information about that? I'll be doing some research myself, but it's always nice to have a place to start.