55 pages • 1 hour read
Slaughterhouse-Five
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
275
Novel • Fiction
Dresden, Germany • 1940s
1969
Adult
18+ years
850L
Super Short Summary
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. centers on Billy Pilgrim, who becomes "unstuck in time" and witnesses various points in his life, including his experiences as a soldier during the bombing of Dresden in World War II, his post-war struggles with trauma, and his abduction by aliens called Tralfamadorians. The narrative explores themes of fatalism and the impact of war on individuals. The book contains graphic depictions of war and violence.
Mysterious
Dark
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,431,355 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s Slaughterhouse-Five is predominantly hailed for its inventive narrative and profound anti-war message. Critics admire its blend of satirical humor and poignant storytelling. However, some readers find its non-linear structure and surrealism challenging. Overall, it is considered a unique and influential work in contemporary American literature.
Who Should Read Slaughterhouse-Five?
A reader who enjoys Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. typically appreciates dark humor, anti-war themes, and satirical takes on human nature. Fans of Joseph Heller's Catch-22 and George Orwell's 1984 will find similar intellectual provocations and unconventional narrative structures.
1,431,355 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Roland Weary
Roland Weary
A fervent bully and soldier in World War II, who attempts to project strength and constantly torments those he perceives as weaker.
The Narrator
The Narrator
A meta-fictional character closely resembling Kurt Vonnegut himself, who recounts the narrative and shares personal war experiences.
Edgar Derby
Edgar Derby
A mature and principled schoolteacher turned soldier, who is admired by his peers for his leadership during captivity in World War II.
Paul Lazzaro
Paul Lazzaro
A vengeful soldier who believes in the importance of settling scores, delighting in the concept of revenge despite its brutal consequences.
275
Novel • Fiction
Dresden, Germany • 1940s
1969
Adult
18+ years
850L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.