Slapstick or Lonesome No More!: A Novel

This is a re-read for me. I've read this book so many times in translation so I gave it a go in its original language. There was nothing to be scared of because Vonnegut's genius is not in obscure sentences or too elaborate vocabulary. What I really liked about his writing is even more present in the original (which was not in question, rather whether I can understand it).I continue to like this book really much and will continue to re-read all of Vonnegut's works in their original form.(Also I hate the cover of this edition).

As with so many of Vonnegut's books, the forward is of utmost importance. It is a rare opportunity to see beyond the veil and understand who KVJ is and what his works are really about. It brings what is otherwise a fairly absurd story about a grotesque set of twin geniuses, into the light, and reveals the deeper story of Vonnegut and his sister. The forward does not go into detail about the particulars of their relationship, but deftly sets the scene to read between the lines of the story. Though true in most of his works, Slapstick feels even more personal and revealing than usual. There is a trepidation and sadness in it that in other works might be dealt with with more of a light humor and author's ego. This feels to be full of humility and regret of not having done more.In the forward, Vonnegut writes about his incapacity for love. Though done in a funny, insightful, and accessible way, it is clear that this lack of interpersonal connection is a great source of sadness for the author. A constant pang of guilt and fear of being hastily built seeps through the anecdotal lamentations of his tragic and (as usual) doomed characters. Vonnegut's stories are often allegories for painful past events in his life that he lacks the vocabulary to talk about in a direct manner, and in Slapstick this is felt even deeper. Though not his best book by far, Slapstick is possibly the most personal that I have read, and as a great appreciator of the man, I am happy to have this rare look into the brilliant mess upstairs.PS this review was actually written by my son, Jesse SD Cohen, who is always trying to get me to read more Vonnegut.

I will not write a lengthy review of the book itself, instead I will simply ease the mind of the potential buyer - yes, it is a good book. If you have read Vonnegut already, this will simply be an extension of what you already know and love. If you are new to Vonnegut, I would suggest Breakfast of Champions, Slaughterhause Five, and Sirens of Titans. After that you will understand Vonneguts humor and wit, and should be able to jump into any Vonnegut book.

The writing style of "Slapstick" is classic Vonnegut, but perhaps the strangest book he wrote. And it's of course meant to be off the walls and odd. I found the story to be very creative and it's messages thought provoking. However going into reading this, one should have a general idea of what's going on in the plot. Vonnegut doesn't spell everything out to the reader, in fact he can often be somewhat vague. The book is sort of rambling in that Vonnegut way, but I still think it's easy enough to see what ideas Vonnegut is trying to get across. While it doesn't approach many of his brilliant earlier works, I would read it again and I would recommend it. It didn't move me as much as I hoped it would but I would still say that Vonnegut succeeded in crafting a unique and thoughtful novel.

I am a veteran teacher and became interested in Kurt Vonnegut's writings from our Nevada English text for freshmen students. I am not a sci fi reader at all but Kurt Vonnegut writes it and makes you think. The freshmen students got really interested in another of Vonnegut's short stories about a young man named Harrison Burgeron. So, I downloaded another Vonnegut tale that makes you think. This one is of particular interest because it is toted as and corroborrated by Voneugut's own words as rather autobiograpical. It is sad that he lost his sister and it is disconcerting that he distorted the relationship (I hope) in his fictional version of the main characters in his tale. I would not have students read this due to the incestual insinuations of the brother and sister "monsters" in Slapstick. That and the sexual "slapstick" insinuations were the downsides for me.On the upside: this writing really makes you think about family and the lower quality of our neighborly relationships today. Vonnegut is no longer with us, yet he knew how sordid our family and social relationships would become. This is the prophetic writing that originally attracted us in English class. In this piece of work, Vonnegut's main character creates and initiates the idea of government ordained families. This works and fills a social void. It makes you think that you better nurture and keep the families you have because all beings need the support of family. Powerful and memorable like all the Vonnegut works I have read!

I enjoyed the process of reading this story. That is to say, when I finished the book, I was disappointed with the complete story, but I enjoyed the journey. Does that make sense? Vonnegut himself rated Slapstick a 'D' among his works (giving Cat's Cradle and Slaughterhouse 5 an A+ each), but as this was my first Vonnegut book (recommended to me by a friend that had passed away) I still felt compelled to read more of his stories. The best part of this book, in my opinion, was the pre-story about how he came to write this book. Kurt Vonnegut opens up and lets the reader into his personal life-describing the moment when he lost his sister and brother-in-law within a week of each other, and taking their 3 children into his house. The wackiest part is the relationship between Dr. Swain and his sister Eliza. I didn't get it, but then again I'm not a twin. Hi ho.

Yup, it's a corker.When KV dons his fantastical hat and cranks up the inventionometer he is without peer. A first tier story (I've read elsewhere he is supposed not to have rated this one - who's he to judge eh?) of disability, prejudice, capitalism, environmental destruction and a global viral epidemic (how prescient's that little number?) told through the slapstick world (and for that read common decency) of Dr Wilbur Daffodil-11 Swain, possibly the last President of the USA.This one lingers...beg, steal, borrow or buy but read.Hi Ho

...quite possibly my second favourite book by Mr Vonnegut - second only to Mother Night. I would never rate any of his books as side splitting funny, however the observations about the human condition are expertly disected and enfused with such ice-black comedy they speak volumes despite their brevity. This is a perfect example of one such books, a great concept with entertaining characters presenting a fable on lonliness and companionship.

In the top half of his novels, although only just.

I enjoyed the book because it makes nonsense of this life and the fact that we cannot be sure of anything. a the book makes you wander if indeed there anything meaningful in what we believe we know. It leaves you thorough confused about life. that is the beauty of the book. aWe really know nothing about what life is all about.

A (kind of) autobiographical fiction from one of the most absorbing and powerful critics of contemporary America. Kurt Vonnegut capture us with his brilliant imagination, seduces us with his vision of the world, and wonders us with his own special way of dealing with pressing social constraints. Long live Vonnegut.