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Science Fiction· United States

Slaughterhouse-Five

by Kurt Vonnegut
Aggregate Editorial Score46/100
TIME 100 Best Novels
Published 1969203 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

When Kurt Vonnegut published Slaughterhouse-Five in 1969, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of science fiction. Billy Pilgrim, 'unstuck in time,' moves among his experiences in the firebombing of Dresden, his suburban American life, and his captivity on the alien planet Tralfamadore. Vonnegut's anti-war masterpiece uses science fiction and dark comedy to render the horror of war while insisting on the necessity of bearing witness. Themes of Dresden, anti-war, time run through the work. The book has received recognition from TIME 100 Best Novels 1969.

Book Details

AuthorKurt Vonnegut
Published1969
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages203
Category🚀 Science Fiction
ISBN9780385333849
Editorial Score46/100
About the Category

🚀 Science Fiction

Speculative fiction exploring technology, space, the future, and society.

Explore all Science Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United States →

Editorial Assessment

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut sits within the tradition of science fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1969 in United States, it engages with Dresden, anti-war, time, death in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: TIME 100 Best Novels 1969. Its aggregate editorial score of 46/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes Slaughterhouse-Five is how it handles its central concerns — Dresden, anti-war, time, death — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Kurt Vonnegut's role in the literature of United States is well established. Slaughterhouse-Five can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

TIME 100 Best Novels
list · global
196921
✍️
About the Author
Kurt Vonnegut
United States
View Author →

Kurt Vonnegut is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of science fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slaughterhouse-Five about?

Billy Pilgrim, 'unstuck in time,' moves among his experiences in the firebombing of Dresden, his suburban American life, and his captivity on the alien planet Tralfamadore. Vonnegut's anti-war masterpiece uses science fiction and dark comedy to render the horror of war while insisting on the necessity of bearing witness.

Who wrote Slaughterhouse-Five?

Slaughterhouse-Five was written by Kurt Vonnegut, from United States. First published in 1969.

What awards has Slaughterhouse-Five won?

Slaughterhouse-Five has received the following awards and honours: TIME 100 Best Novels 1969.

Is Slaughterhouse-Five worth reading?

Slaughterhouse-Five is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 21/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in Dresden, anti-war, time.

Where can I buy Slaughterhouse-Five?

You can buy Slaughterhouse-Five on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Slaughterhouse-Five?

Slaughterhouse-Five is classified as Science Fiction. Speculative fiction exploring technology, space, the future, and society.

What country is Slaughterhouse-Five from?

Slaughterhouse-Five originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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