Slaughterhouse-Five

Slaughter House-Five

BaSlaughterhouse-Five has been described as the best anti-war novel surpassing both The Red Badge of Courage and Catch-22. When it was initially published in 1969, its timing was pitch-perfect with IRL anti-war protests over Vietnam hitting their stride.

The novel is about a bumbling Chaplin named Billy caught by the Germans during WWII. He is imprisoned in an underground former slaughterhouse while a horrific Allied firebombing completely destroys Dresden above. It appears to mimic the author’s survival of the bombing. However, it quickly, and funnily, diverges into a science fiction alien tale with a dash of hitman plot.

I originally read Slaughterhouse-Five when I was under ten. Back then, I didn’t appreciate all the philosophy within the book. I also didn’t know that it was based, at least partially, on a true story. Now, decades later, the book seems much better. The artwork helps the reader visualize each scene. It is especially helpful for the aliens’ picture book. I also enjoyed the old-school pixelated style of Mr. Trout’s comic books. Overall, this is a great book made even better with a graphic novel treatment. 5 stars!

Thanks to Boom! Studios and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

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