Cat's Cradle

This is my 12th Vonnegut, one of his own favourite works and lauded as a 'Modern Classic'. Guess what ? I didn't like it.What we have is a 'road to global oblivion' warning from KV, very much in line with, as is often correctly stated, Dr Strangelove. Published in 1963 it was very much of its time - Cuba et al - and pretty much concerns mankind careering towards the end of the world by means of new weaponry (Ice-nine), the industrial complex, ignorance and self-interest. The story is told through a cast of eccentric personalities, typical of all KV's work, and is largely set on the mythic and very dark Caribbean island of San Lorenzo..So what's wrong ?Well, three things. First of all the characters. They just don't carry the wit and sympathy of those found in the earlier novels (especially the masterly 'Sirens of Titan') or following novels (such as the masterly 'Slaughterhouse 5'). 'Cats Cradle' is a transitory work falling between the genres of these other books, 'Titans' being clear cut Sci-Fi and 'Slaughterhouse' being pretty much that fantastical description defying invention that was to become Vonnegut's own personal style. It has always seemed to me that Vonnegut developed the gift of painting the most complex and fullest of characters with the sparsest most basic of palettes. Here it just didn't work.Secondly, setting. St Lorenzo is dark, brooding and haunting. If it's meant to be a cartoon representation it failed with me. It's just too dystopian and this takes it away from the type of slapstick satire that Vonnegut made his own.Thirdly, plot. It's just too predictable.So, why 4 Stars ?Well, its an important book. Important in terms of the subjects it addresses, important in its place in the counter culture history of the sixties and important in the development of Kurt Vonnegut the satirist. It should be read, just as I had to read 'Howard's End' all those year's ago at college - I didn't like it but it was good for me.So, buy it and read it because you should. HOWEVER, at all costs do not read the Introduction by Benjamin Kunkel until after you've read the book - it's spoiler laden. Actually, don't bother with the Introduction at all - it's awful.

I had heard of Vonnegut previously but it was only when it was mentioned that Douglas Adams was influenced by him I thought I'd have a read. Very glad I did. This is the one to start with as it's considered one of his best. I admit the thickness of the book, a novella, as some would term it, was attractive to my mind simply because it was a quick read. It is still relevant considering the spiralling idiocy of the political world.Read it, you will see.

Written in Vonnegut's inimitable nihilistic yet totally wacky style, this is a brilliant quick read that is impossible to put down. Vonnegut was an author who was surrounded by cold war existential dread. Whilst he chooses to scorn this state of affairs through the form of satire, the novel often gives way to a deep sense of dread. You can't help but feel that this book's relevance is once again making itself obvious. As we move again into a time of great instability and uncertainty, coupled with the great advances we continue to make in the biological sciences, you find yourself simultaneously smirking and shivering at the horrifying yet absurd events that unfold.

I'm new to Kurt Vonnegut, having read Slaughterhouse 5 a few years ago and loved it but not really having the urge to read anything else of his at the time. A late night dinner party conversation recently led me back to KV and opinion seemed to be that's Cats Cradle would be a good place to continue my KV reading.As expected, this book plays with the mind from the very beginning - what is truth and what is a lie? Can religion be founded on lies? Who holds the power to end the world? KV opens up his head to the reader through the narrator, Jonah, presenting his ideas and then questioning them in a way which makes you question yourself.Reading the book feels as if you are there with Jonah, experiencing his amazement and revelations as he mets all the bizarre characters and uncovers their stories.Structurally, the book is just over 200 pages long and split into 127 chapters. This helps makes the novel a very accessible read. The style of writing is very straightforward with lots going on below the surface.There are many different levels on which this book can be read and I suspect that everyone will find different ideas in here, many of which the author did not intend at all (this would delight KV I am sure!)And then there's the plot....... The imagination of the author is amazing. He creates countries, religions and scientific theories during the course of the story and they work wonderfully for most of the book. I felt though that he overused some of the ideas and the ending was dragged out further than it needed.I'm not sure I'll jump at the idea of reading another of his but I did enjoy the experience.

An easy read with many amusing parts / soundbites (!). Being so easy to read, lacks some depth in characters which some may miss. unfortunately, ultimately it is bleak. We have not really moved on since then. Perhaps today's threats are more diverse.