Aw man, found out this morning that Kurt Vonnegut (Jr.) has died. The author of novels, essays and plays passed away from what officials believe were brain injuries sustained after a fall some weeks ago. Some of Vonnegut's best known works include the novels, Cat's Cradle, Mother Night, Breakfast of Champions and of course, Slaughterhouse-Five, or A Children's Crusade: A Duty Dance With Death. The themes of Vonnegut's works are often considered dark satire by critics, but fans know him best for the Science Fiction elements he used to bond character and dramatic plot. In addition to his writings, Vonnegut was a recognized graphic artist. The 84 year old Vonnegut was a confirmed smoker and self-described Luddite. He was well known for his advocacy of pacifism and as a lifetime member of the American Civil Liberties Union. After the death of Isaac Asimov, Vonnegut was named Honorary President of the American Humanist Association.

I was first introduced to the writing of Kurt Vonnegut in high school when one day my best friend, Mary, asked me to do her book report for Science Fiction class. Being the Okey Dokey friend I was I happily agreed and that night took home her library copy of Slaughterhouse-Five. The report got Mary an "A" but I don't credit the grade to my reporting abilities. It was the book itself. Talk about one fascinating novel! Now this isn't a romance by any means, but rather a very dark humanist tale with science fiction elements. Set in Dresden, Germany during the time of the firebombings, Slaughterhouse-Five annals the experiences of American soldier and prisoner, Billy Pilgrim. The horrors of war and the extremes and hypocrisies of human character are part of Billy's experiences; but he also finds time to reflect on the entire human condition and the nature of the universe when taken prisoner by the alien world of Tralfamadore. From war times Billy lives out the rest of his life caught between spending his days on Earth and as a human zoo exhibit for the Tralfamadorians. It is his time with his captors, however, that brings Billy inner peace and offers some source of understanding for the madness which is fate.

If you've not yet read Slaughterhouse-Five, I highly recommend you do so. For now I'll just say Good-Bye Mr. Vonnegut and thank you for the legacy you left behind. May you be very happy wherever you are :)

Reposted from Expressly Desiree
©April 12, 2007 by Desiree Erotique
http://desireeerotique.blogspot.com/