So it goes

It is not very often that I find myself at a complete loss for words, but alas, Kurt Vonnegut has left me wondering what exactly I feel towards his book, Slaughterhouse-Five. Even after the conclusion of the novel, I still find myself searching for the words. The trouble is, I am not entirely sure what I just experienced.

Billy Pilgrim and the Tralfamadorians

Vonnegut's book could exist in several different genres, especially as it is a memoir of his time in World War Two, with an emphasis on the bombing of Dresden, and an unhinged account of the odyssey of Billy Pilgrim. The book reads like a memory, broken bits of narrative and nothing in order, with some extraordinary events that leave you scratching your head, wondering what on Tralfamadore just happened to you.

Memoir, perhaps. Historical, sure. But what about science-fiction? Part of Pilgrim's journey finds him abducted by Tralfamadorians, an alien race that helps him to see many more aspects to his life than he initially understood and perhaps far more than he is capable of comprehending. Truth be told, I am not sure I am capable of comprehending the Tralfamadorians.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book. The style was completely original and the plot was so twisted I could not help but turn the next page. There were some aspects (often sexist) that left me thinking, "come on, Vonnegut!" But I will still award this book 3.5 stars, if only for the writing style and original plot.

Thank you to the wonderful person who recommended this book, or rather, demanded that I read it (you know very well who you are).

As always, I am your Opinionated Bookworm. If you would like to request a review or share some thoughts, please comment below, email me (theopinionatedbookworm@gmail.com) or follow me on Instagram (@theopinionatedbookworm1).

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