'Mother Night' by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a novel that delves into the life of Howard W. Campbell, Jr., an American who becomes a Nazi propagandist during World War II while secretly working as a spy for the United States. The story unfolds as Campbell awaits trial in Israel for war crimes, reflecting on his past actions and the moral dilemmas he faced. The book explores themes of morality, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil, all presented in Vonnegut's signature dark humor and simple yet profound writing style.
The novel is structured as a fictional memoir, narrated by Campbell himself as he reflects on his past experiences infiltrating the Nazi propaganda machine. Through Campbell's complex character, the book raises questions about the nature of human intentions versus actions, the consequences of pretending to be something we are not, and the impact of war on individual morality. Vonnegut weaves a tale that is both thought-provoking and unsettling, challenging readers to consider the complexities of human nature and the consequences of our choices.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book addresses themes of war crimes, propaganda, and moral ambiguity, which may be distressing to some readers.
Has Romance?
The book contains a significant romantic subplot, particularly focusing on the protagonist's relationship with his wife, which plays a crucial role in his narrative.
From The Publisher:
"Vonnegut is George Orwell, Dr. Caligari and Flash Gordon compounded into one writer . . . a zany but moral mad scientist."-Time
Mother Night is a daring challenge to our moral sense. American Howard W. Campbell, Jr., a spy during World War II, is now on trial in Israel as a Nazi war criminal. But is he really guilty? In this brilliant book rife with true gallows humor, Vonnegut turns black and white into a chilling shade of gray with a verdict that will haunt us all.
"A great artist."-Cincinnati Enquirer
"A shaking up in the kaleidoscope of laughter . . . Reading Vonnegut is addictive!"-Commonweal
Ratings (26)
Incredible (11) | |
Loved It (6) | |
Liked It (4) | |
It Was OK (4) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (46):
Read It (29) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (14) | |
Not Interested (2) |
What can you read after
Mother Night?
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"…
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
