Vonnegut writes himself into a category that remains unmatched by any other book I’ve come across. The flow of the narrative never ventures into irrelVonnegut writes himself into a category that remains unmatched by any other book I’ve come across. The flow of the narrative never ventures into irrelevance, every detail is related to the novel’s larger ideas. He presents descriptions that initially appear as diversions but that are really part of a plot orchestrated so masterfully that these diversions work to prop up the main themes as well as further the conversational tone. For example, when describing the appearances of German soldiers who captured Billy, Vonnegut spends a sentence mentioning the clothes stolen off dead soldiers and the soldier’s lost motivation. Though this description is brief (only a sentence), it says: war produces no winners, doesn’t provide for people, and forces people to make tough choices without giving it a second thought. So it goes. Vonnegut then goes on to describe the colonial’s boots, seamlessly moving the narrative on to thoughts of Adam and Eve, and continues the pattern throughout the novel. Having the plot presented in such a conversational almost lazy manner helps the reader reference back to the original conversation Vonnegut had with Mary. It also lets the book deal with heavy-handed subject matter in a way that isn’t overbearing or preachy. Overall, this book is masterfully created and a personal favorite of mine....more
From reading the first page everyone knows what is going to happen. Steinbeck has no subtlety in his short stories or shorter novels, that is what makFrom reading the first page everyone knows what is going to happen. Steinbeck has no subtlety in his short stories or shorter novels, that is what makes people love or hate them. I happen to be of the latter opinion, I don't enjoy obvious symbols and stories told with a clear cut "lesson" as the main point....more
Blatant symbolism makes the reader able to discern exactly what is going to happen and what means what from the get-go. There is no surprise or characBlatant symbolism makes the reader able to discern exactly what is going to happen and what means what from the get-go. There is no surprise or character development, just the descent into the inevitable....more
I would like to see this performed, since the invention of a "choreopoem" isn't something I can easily picture. Beyond that, the language and issues cI would like to see this performed, since the invention of a "choreopoem" isn't something I can easily picture. Beyond that, the language and issues confronted are bold and captivating. The text evolved over time, as it was being performed, so any static got cut out a while back. The poetry in the words didn't have a passive, romantic flow but were aggressive and affirming. It is a fresh and original piece of work....more
Though I enjoyed the section where they put books on trial in the classroom, the rest of the novel fell short. Instead of being cutting edge and emotiThough I enjoyed the section where they put books on trial in the classroom, the rest of the novel fell short. Instead of being cutting edge and emotionally gripping, I got the tired emotional "women's novel" feel. The subject matter could have been riveting, instead I felt like I was reading a cliche....more
This book captured the essence of the Caribbean very well, but other than that nothing stuck with me. The dynamic between Brother Man, the woman livinThis book captured the essence of the Caribbean very well, but other than that nothing stuck with me. The dynamic between Brother Man, the woman living with him and the man who tries to take her away could have been an essential conflict that ran through the novel. Rather, it wasn't dramatic enough to make it a page-turner, which is what it could have been....more
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