Kurt Vonnegut: “We must be careful about what we pretend to be”

Mr Kurt Vonnegut (b. 11 Nov 1922–11 April 2007) America’s writer of counter-cultural or sometimes Melancholy and non-chronological storytelling was his favorite passion. We are what we pretend to be. ...

Kurt Vonnegut Jr

Mr Kurt Vonnegut (b. 11 Nov 1922–11 April 2007) America’s writer of counter-cultural or sometimes Melancholy and non-chronological storytelling was his favorite passion. We are what we pretend to be. So, we must be careful about what we pretend to be. His contribution to America’s Literature was a notable work, he made the stories and novels very intelligently and hardly fewer writers of his age did such away.

His style of writing was sole and all the stories and books are based on his imagination always stances on the realities and truth of common habitat. He gave the entire literary world quite a few books but his existence on this earth only identify due to his great and quality work. He produced nearly fourteen novels and slaughterhouse-five had ranked in the world’s best 100 novels since 1923. It was first published in 1969.

You will either love it or push it back in the science-fiction corner.

New York Times : Slaughterhouse-five was the only novel nominated for the best novel Nebula and Hugo awards in 1970. The book and author had to go through many struggles, pretty nerdy censorship controversy, and finally published after many pivotal attempts. There were reasons why Kurt’s novel was not getting published. It is due to his unsuitable tone, content, and variation in the depiction of sex in his book. The judges of the states described the book as “Deprived, Immoral, Psychotic, Vulgar and anti-Christian”.

Salman Rushdie, British-Indian novelist wrote in New Yorker (read the full article here). He had read Slaughterhouse-five in 1972 after three years of its official publication and before his first novel, and become published author. He considered Vietnam plays vital roles in this book since the book was associated with the Second World War and Vietnam is on its pages. He compared “Catch-22” is like Slaughterhouse-five. Mr Rushdie said that both books had a great effect on his young mind those days.

Salman Rushdie, British-Indian novelist wrote in New Yorker (read the full article here). He had read Slaughterhouse-five in 1972 after three years of its official publication and before his first novel, and become published author. He considered Vietnam plays vital roles in this book since the book was associated with the Second World War and Vietnam is on its pages. He had compared “Catch-22” is like Slaughterhouse-five. Mr Rushdie said that both books had a great effect on his young mind those days.

Stephanie ─ Extremely Stable Genius

Stephanie, one of the Goodreads readers and book reviewers wrote about Slaughterhouse-five expressed her very thoughts about the book.“I miss Kurt Vonnegut.” He hasn’t been gone all that long. Of course, he isn’t gone, yet he is gone. He has always been alive, and he will always be dead. So, it goes. Slaughterhouse-five is next to impossible to explain, let alone review, but here I am. And here I go. What is it about? It’s about war. It’s about loved and hate. It’s about post-traumatic stress. It’s about sanity and insanity. It’s about aliens (not the illegal kind, the spacey kind). It’s about life. It’s about death. So, it goes.“That’s one thing Earthlings might learn to do if they tried hard enough: Ignore the awful times and concentrate on the good ones.” This is how I live my life. This is how I get through the day. Most days I am successful, some days I’m not.

Today is one of the “not” days. Like so many Americans these days, I feel I’m in a rut. Like so many Americans I don’t understand why I am where I am. This was not the plan. This was not what I had in mind……Oh, poor me….boo hoo. This book. This book got me thinking. So much about life sucks, true, but not many of us want to give up on it that easy. Why? Because of the “good ones”. And what makes “good ones” is our ability to create and enjoy creating…..at least I think so.“Write it. Shoot it. Publish it. Crochet it, sauté it, whatever. MAKE.”— Joss WhedonIf you make something, a painting, a poem, a novel, a good meal, a person……you continue to live even after death. I think that’s what Mr. Vonnegut was getting at. Maybe. At least that is how he has remained alive for me.” ─Stephanie *Extremely Stable Genius.*

Lokeish Umak

Lokesh Umak

Lokesh Umak writes about his favorite topics, such as essay, poems, health, fitness, nutrition, etc. He also invites guests on his podcast show.
View all posts by Lokesh Umak

Featured Writers

Entertainment

Stories that Stir Souls: Illuminating the Path of Storytelling’s Influence

Storytelling: timeless art connecting people through narratives. From prehistoric times to modern tech, it educates, preserves culture, and inspires a better future. Crucial in bridging divides, it reminds us of our shared humanity.
Avatar photo
Yashasvy Singh
Storytelling: timeless art connecting people through narratives. From prehistoric times to modern tech, it educates, preserves culture, and inspires a better future. Crucial in bridging divides, it reminds us of our shared humanity.
Opinions

How I Lost and Found My Voice

"Initially, I changed my Malawian accent to fit in. But I learned my voice mattered, and my roots made me unique. Through struggles, I found my true self by embracing my Malawian identity. My journey is chronicled in my books, 'What Kind of Girl?' and 'Some Kind of Girl.'"
caroline Kautsire
Caroline Kautsire
how i lost and found my voice
Opinions

Nurturing Values In Children Through Storytelling

How storytelling shapes young minds, instilling empathy and resilience. Explore the power of narratives in nurturing values in children.
Devanshi Joshi
Devanshi Joshi
Entertainment

From Poetic Pause to Professional Power: The Journey of Emotional Resilience

Moving With Meaning offers guidance in emotional resilience, from introspective reflection to assertive leadership. Through coaching and the 3C Approach, we empower professionals to navigate challenges with grace and determination. Whether early, mid, or late career, we support you in finding purpose and direction in every step of your journey.
author, life coach, and the driving force behind Moving With Meaning LLC
Krystal Clark
Moving With Meaning offers guidance in emotional resilience, from introspective reflection to assertive leadership. Through coaching and the 3C Approach, we empower professionals to navigate challenges with grace and determination. Whether early, mid, or late career, we support you in finding purpose and direction in every step of your journey.

More in Interviews

The author Gabor Holch: Worldwide business leaders who try to comprehend China’s unavoidable impact on their livelihoods often ignore the most important voices: those of expatriate managers with years of experience in the country. Based on interviews with China-based corporate executives over five years, Dragon Suit brings to life the country’s swarming cities, recent economic tsunami, unstoppable middle class.

Finding a catchy book title is a headache, says Gabor Holch

Interview with Gabor Holch, author of "Dragon Suit": Explores expat executives' journey in China's business world, revealing both success and failure stories, reflecting on China's economic evolution and global impact.
first aid kit is an essential part when you choose bike / MTB for riding.

Stefan Eberharter: I always bring my first aid kit with me

Meet Stefan Eberharter, a MTB pro rider who got an excellent skills and training of downhill and other important bike riding skills that will ...
Do you love riding a motorcycle? If so, this article is for you, and if you are a Harley Devidson fan, you must read this interview with Maldita before purchasing one or if you already own one.

Maldita: “I try to travel and discover different cultures”

Do you love riding a motorcycle? If so, this article is for you, and if you are a Harley Davidson fan, you must read this interview with Maldita before purchasing one or if you already own one.