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Slapstick: Or Lonesome No More!
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Customer Reviews
Rating:  - not the right book for first time Vonegut readers
I didn't know what to expect because this was my very first time reading Kurt Vonnegut's work. I hated it. It seemed silly, pointless, and strange. I couldn't deal with it. I don't ever want to read Kurt Vonnegut ever again. It's not awful. It was a shock. I've never read anything like it before, and it doesn't gently ease you into it.
If you do read it, know that it's extremely quirky. If that's your style, go for it.
Rating:  - Slaptastic
Slapstick is a novel that can be misread on so many levels. Having read many of Vonnegut's works, it is obvious that he recycle themes, and even characters. However, the point that he is trying to ram home never diminishes. Unlike many post apocalyptic novels, this one is light-hearted, and the world does not seem much worse off than it was before. That is the real crux of this piece, that it is not the conditions of the society around us that determines happiness, but rather the value and condition of the PEOPLE we surround ourselves with. One reads Slapstick with the feeling that all Mr. Vonnegut was trying to get us to see is that we should "all treat each other with a little common decency".
The novel is set up as a memoir of the last president of the United States, and the voice of the persona is full of drool humor and classic Vonnegut dry wit. The nonfiction prologue at the being of the text also adds a whole new dimension to the piece, which I won't discuss here. I recommend reading the prologue after having read the novel. It might change the way you view the entire work.
Rating:  - Read over and over! Fascinating subjects! Utopian society!
This is the first Vonnegut book that I read. I am so glad I read this book. It got me hooked. I've read all of Vonnegut's work and it is brilliant! But this book has remained close to my heart, and my favorite. That's because of all the heartfelt convictions about family that Vonnegut writes about. His memoirs about his sister, are really sweet, and I can identify with his perspective, because I have a brother who I think is hilarious. I also really enjoyed the bit about how to make a Utopian society out of artificial families. This book is such an easy read, and every time I read it, I find new concepts and ideas that I didn't notice before. So funny I laugh out loud still reading some parts. Highly Recommended. -M. R. ;)
Rating: - Not one of his better books
I have mixed feelings about Kurt Vonnegut. I always admire the way he writes - his ability to propel me through a book, quickly and effortlessly. I know there will be a few good laughs, some heart-wrenching tragedy, and some wry or clever social commentary. When he is at the top of his game, he is one of the best. I really enjoyed Breakfast of Champions and I consider Slaughterhouse Five to be a masterpiece. So every couple of years, I read another Vonnegut book, hoping to recapture that magic.
But here's the thing - while I like the way Vonnegut writes, I often find myself not really liking the actual story. The plot devices are too silly, too cute, or too absurd to be taken seriously. Or worse, the jokes fall flat or the satire is uninspired.
Slapstick has all of these faults with none of the rewards. After 25 pages, I knew the book was a dud and seriously thought about putting it down. But it is just so easy to read, I kept on, hoping it would improve. But to no avail. If anything, it lost momentum about half-way through the book, when the Wilbur's twin sister, Eliza, moves out of the story. Overall, the plot is foolish and ridiculous. The funny parts aren't that funny, and the sad parts are only occasionally poignant or tragic. Finally, the satire isn't clever or insightful; rather, it feels obligatory and halfhearted.
So I kept thinking, what is the point of this book? That Kurt Vonnegut mourns the loss of his sister, the one person he wrote for? While her death is sad, Slapstick only hints at his pain, so the reader never fully appreciates the extent of his loss.
Perhaps the point is that simple human decency is desirable and the cornerstone of a functional society. Okay. But I already knew that, and this book didn't really do much to show me why I need a reminder.
I found out soon after reading Slapstick that Vonnegut considered it to be one of his worst books. If you love Vonnegut, go ahead and give it a whirl. You'll plow through it in a couple of hours. But if you are new to Vonnegut or just lukewarm on him, give this one a pass.
Hi ho.
Rating: - AMAZING.
There is no way that Slapstick is over-rated. I just read this in honor of Kurt Vonnegut's passing (re-read). I read all of his books around the mid to late 80's. I think I've gone back and re-read all of them for the second time, but this was the third time I've read Slapstick. It really just dosen't get much better than Vonnegut does it? I really enjoy reading his speech and letter stuff, plus his later books, but then when you go back and read one of the "heavy hitters", it just is really out of control isn't it?! The first four books I heard about from Vonnetgut where Galapagos, Slapstick, Cat's Cradle, and Deadeye Dick. I had heard about Slaughterhouse but hadn't read it. I read those first four and that was it, my mind was blown, I simply had to read ALL of this man's writings, and I have never been disappointed. Some of his material is lighter, some mind blowing, but it is ALL amazing stuff. Hey, this is just because I care man. cheers
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