Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

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This is the first Vonnegut novel I’ve read. Originally published in 1969, Slaughterhouse-Five depicts a jumbled account of Billy Pilgrim’s life and the devastating firebombing of Dresden during WWII. You follow Billy through time and space as he encounters the best, and worst of life in a truly great modern classic.

Vonnegut’s writing style is simple, to the point, and oh-so rich. Billy’s story, aside from thoroughly entertaining me, left my mind swirling. Many speak of this novel as being on of the best pieces of anti-war literature - if not the best representation of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome - but beyond the well delivered anti-war statement I was more impressed by Vonnegut’s insightful observations of life’s moments. Billy learns from the Tralfamadorians that this moment has already, and always, will be happening. That’s what I think will stick with me the longest. Great themes, characters, and ending. So it goes. 4/5 stars