"A fourth-generation German-American now living in easy circumstances on Cape Cod (and smoking too much), who, as an American infantry scout hors de combat, as a prisoner of war, witnessed the fire-bombing of Dresden, Germany, "The Florence of the Elbe," a long time ago, and survived to tell the tale. This is a novel somewhat in the telegraphic schizophrenic manner of tales of the planet Tralfamadore, where the flying saucers come from. Peace."
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"A fourth-generation German-American now living in easy circumstances on Cape Cod (and smoking too much), who, as an American infantry scout hors de combat, as a prisoner of war, witnessed the fire-bombing of Dresden, Germany, "The Florence of the Elbe," a long time ago, and survived to tell the tale. This is a novel somewhat in the telegraphic schizophrenic manner of tales of the planet Tralfamadore, where the flying saucers come from. Peace."
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Grubby book may have mild dirt or some staining, mostly on the edges of pages.
Vonnegut is not an easy read. You'll have to adjust to his humor before you can enjoy this book. Thankfully, this shouldn't take more than a chapter.
I had never heard of the bombing of Dresden until I read this book. Apparently, it was worse than Hiroshima. But if you're looking for history, look elsewhere. Instead, Slaughter House Five tells the forwards, backwards, upside down, rightside up story of Billy Pilgrim, who was an American prisoner of war during the fire bombing of Dresden.
In the first pages, Vonnegut calls his novel "The Children's Crusade." Wars are fought by babies. They're not glorious or noble or adventurous. All battles end the same way: dead bodies, ruined cities, and survivors who will never be the same. Surely - thoughts and themes you've read about before. Somehow, though, it seems we can't be reminded of them enough.
