Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a satirical novel that explores themes of science, religion, and the nuclear arms race. The story follows the protagonist as he delves into the life of an atomic scientist and the creation of a dangerous substance called ice-nine. Through quirky characters and strange situations, Vonnegut weaves a tale that is both thought-provoking and darkly humorous, ultimately delivering a commentary on human folly and the absurdity of life.
The writing style of Cat's Cradle is described as witty, succinct, and direct. Vonnegut's ability to mix humor and pathos with social commentary is highlighted, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and insightful. The novel is praised for its structure, storytelling, and unique philosophical questions wrapped in a quirky background story, making it a compelling and engaging read.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of suicide, existential despair, and critique of science and religion, which may not be suitable for all readers.
From The Publisher:
"A free-wheeling vehicle . . . an unforgettable ride!"-The New York Times
Cat's Cradle is Kurt Vonnegut's satirical commentary on modern man and his madness. An apocalyptic tale of this planet's ultimate fate, it features a midget as the protagonist, a complete, original theology created by a calypso singer, and a vision of the future that is at once blackly fatalistic and hilariously funny. A book that left an indelible mark on an entire generation of readers, Cat's Cradle is one of the twentieth century's most important works-and Vonnegut at his very best.
"[Vonnegut is] an unimitative and inimitable social satirist."-Harper's Magazine
"Our finest black-humorist . . . We laugh in self-defense."-Atlantic Monthly
Ratings (121)
Incredible (27) | |
Loved It (62) | |
Liked It (14) | |
It Was OK (14) | |
Did Not Like (4) |
Reader Stats (211):
Read It (135) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (62) | |
Did Not Finish (3) | |
Not Interested (9) |
3 comment(s)
3.25⭐
Was an accidental reread but my thoughts of this hasn't changed much
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I wanted to enjoy it a lot more then I did. Most of the satire and whatnot went over my head and I wasn't able to grasp the story overall. But what I did was able to grasp I quite enjoyed. Might not have been the best time to read or something to rush through as I have to return it to the library soon
Yes, this is an insightful book, the whole concept of the Bokononian religion is fascinating, and it espresses some beautiful existential truths about the human condition confronting the vanity of all existence...
... but it's all buried in a pretty (sorry!) lame story.
What can you read after
Cat's Cradle?
About the Author:
Kurt Vonnegut was a master of contemporary American literature. His black humor, satiric voice, and incomparable imagination first captured America's attention in The Sirens of Titan in 1959 and established him, in the words of The New York Times, as "a true artist"…
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