The Sirens of Titan

The Sirens of Titan

by Kurt Vonnegut

The Sirens of Titan was Kurt Vonnegut's first published book, and is a quirky cross-over between the science fiction genre and mainstream fiction. Cloaked in a science fiction setting, The Sirens of Titan allows Vonnegut to offer up a rather scathing exploration of religion, predestination, commercialism, the military mindset and the gullibility of the common man. For those familiar with others of Vonnegut's works, including Slaughterhouse Five, Cat's Cradle, Deadeye Dick and so many more, you'll find his patented voice of absurdity front-and-center. You'll also find plenty of his surreality as well. Straight science fiction fans may find this one a bit hard to swallow, but if you've developed a fondness for the works of Terry Pratchett or Douglas Adams (the latter of whom admits he was heavily influenced by The Sirens of Titan), you'll probably enjoy Vonnegut's first novel. Personally, although I enjoyed it, I didn't find it quite as well-developed as his later works. -- recommended by Scott C. - Bennett Martin Public Library

[ Sirens of Titan page on Wikipedia ] [ official Kurt Vonnegut web site ]

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