I don't often read short story anthologies. This is, by far, one of the best. Right up there with Circus, that I've read several years ago now that still captures my heart.
All of the stories in Vonnegut's book are very different; thematically and stylistically. As such, the each deserve their own review:
Preface 5/5:
Clever and witty. Seems open while concealing the greater truths Where I live: 3/5 Although this is an interesting story and a fast read it felt like it was missing something. Perhaps I just don't get it.
Harrison Bergerson: 4/5
I didn't like the ending of this story very much. I find the idea of unforced handicaps to make society equal interesting and sometimes fear that's where we are currently heading. The point of the story is, however, is that when this true equality is achieved the world is not nearly as beautiful as it should be. The ear pieces keep people from thinking enough to make good music and, in the example that Vonnegut gives, the weights prevent the ballerina from creating art. The saddest thing of all is that neither of the namesakes parents can remember that he died. These handicaps seem to be a good way to control the society but have dire consequences.
Who Am I This Time: 5/5
At the beginning I was intrigued, in the middle j thought I didn't like it, an at the end I loved it. Who am I this time is an odd little story of how true love can prevail over all perceived odds, in my opinion. We're introduced to four characters, the narrator, a nervous, introverted man, a women who becomes infatuated with him, and a gossip who tries to warn her of her folly in her infatuation. With ingenuity, the ending works out better than anyone could hope from the beginning of the story. It gave me good vibes.
Welcome to the Monkey House: 3/5
I did not like this story as much as Harrison Bergerson, though in some ways they are very similar. It deals primarily with the problem of over population, morals, and pleasure. It points out that there is often more than one solution to every problem and that the first solution one thinks of is not always the best option. It was an okay short story but not very gripping.
Long Walk to Forever: 4/5
This story was mentioned in the preface when Vonnegut spoke to where all his stories had been published. This particular one had been published in the ladies' home journal. It's really quite a sweet story with delicious sad undertones. From the beginning you know where it's going to go. I think I might read it again in the future.
The Foster Portfolio: 4/5
The more of the short stories I read the more impressed I become with Vonnegut's ability to capture the human condition. This particular story talks about a man living a double life; living with a split soul. For some reason I read the narrator in an English accent, I'm not sure why. It was a modest story.
Miss Temptation: 3/5
This is a different type of modest stories, and far from being my favourite that I've read yet. It shows the dangerous of being pig headed and triumphs individuality. It proves that loneliness is everywhere, you just need to look hard enough for it.
All the king's horses: 3/5
This was the most emotional story yet. Set within the rules for f logic, Colonel Kelly is forced to choose between two impossibilities. The cruelty highlighted in the story makes in unenjoyable, but shows part of what life really is like, as unpleasant as it is.
Tom Edison's Shaggy Dog: 5/5
I really enjoyed this short. At the beginning I was convinced that it was going to end in death, instead of with a clever story and intelligent dogs. This, like the other stories in the book is understated yet powerful, showing tht things are not always as they seem.
New Dictionary: 2/5
Quaint but boring. A review of dictionaries.
Next Door: 3/5
Slow to start and slow to end. It leaves me with unanswered questions. A wholly dissatisfying story, yet well written and compelling to read.
More Stately Mansions: 3/5
It is clear that the main character, Grace, suffers from delusions and an obsession with interior design from the stories opening. This, I feel, put the reader in a awkward position, similar to that of the narrator and Grace's neighbour, whose name is never given making it easier to insert oneself into the tale. It does have a rather sweet ending, with an act of kindness from grace's husband, George, and confirmation of her delusions when Ann asks about the curtains. Overall a pleasant and charming story.
The Hyannis Port Story: 3/5
I have mixed feelings about this story. It feels greatly unresolved.
D.P.: 5/5
This has been one my favourite stories so far in this collection.
Report on the Barnhouse Effect: 5/5
This story I also really enjoy. It reminds me of an episode of fringe, my favourite show, proving the power of the mind over the physical. I find that I am greatly intrigued by the idea of an ethical weapon or a weapon with morals. I'm even more intrigued with the ended as it's not what I expected but I can't see how I could have expected anything else. All in all a lovely story.
The Euphio Question: 4/5
This stories format is very similar to that of the last. Unfortunately, it's not as good. It does pose an interesting question though: what would happen to our world if we were able to buy happiness instead of earning or creating it? Vonnegut would have us believe that nothing good could come of such an invention and I agree. I find the character of lew Harrison very interesting; a prime example of cooperate greed. Even after proof that the Euphio is extremely dangerous he insists on still trying to develop one and later uses it to manipulate people. Very dangerous indeed Go Back To Your
Precious Wife and Son: 4/5
This story has a lot more drama in it than any other that I've read so far. It shows the danger of loving to quickly and what giving up too fast on love is liable to do. The ending was cute and sweet. All in all a good read
Deer In The Works: 3/5
This is a story about making compromises that also compromise you. It's important to remember that if you're not feeling something you can leave and should for your own health. Being happy and content makes you a better worker and helps you to live a better life.
The Lie: 2/5
Nothing special. A bit boring.
Unready to Wear: 2/5
"The mind is the only thing about human beings that's worth anything. Why does it have to be tied to a bad of skin, blood, hair, meat, bones, and tubes?" Although I like the concept underlying this story, I did not did it inticing or interesting. I feel there could have been better ways to develop the idea. I don't think this should occupy a whole book.
The Kid Nobody Could Handle: 4/5
Being a former band kid this story really resonated with me. Music has a healing power that's hard to understand unless you play. This story really exemplifies that power. It was beautiful.
The manned missiles: 5/5
It had a strong start, but after the first page and a bit Vonnegut lost the feel of Russian translation. I believe this to be the saddest story in the collection. I like that they call the satellites baby moons, I find the term endearing. I don't want to give away the plot so I'm going to stop talking. This story was very moving.
EPICAC: 5/5
After reading these last two stories with only two more to go it was hard to put down the book and turn the lights off for some ill deserved sleep, yet 0100 says bedtime. EPICAC is the saddest love story yet contained, romantic love for further clarification as the last story was also about love. After learning about love a machine falls in love with a woman and after finding out that he can't be loved by her commits suicide all so one his is operators could convince the woman to love him. Tragic. Tragic but beautiful.
Adam: 4/5
The best word I can think to describe this story is quaint. Like many of the others told in this book it's starts from a place of tragedy and ends in a semblance of hope. I'm not sure I would read it again but it was delightful.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow: 3/5
I found the underlying concepts of this story interesting and important to our current state. Focusing on elongating life and the perils of over population, this story should hold as a warning for the future.
Yes, some of these reviews are only a sentence and some of them could be much longer than they are currently. All of these were written for various reasons and for various publications; which accounts for the range of stories encompassed. I give this book a 7 out of 10 (technically a 6.769). I would recommend it to everyone because there is something for everyone in it.
