Kurt Vonnegut Jr.'s second novel, The Sirens of Titan, tells the story of Malachi Constant, the richest man in 22nd century America, and Winston Rumfoord, a wealthy man stuck in something called a chrono-synclastic infundibulum. Rumfoord is able to see the past, present and future (and experience them) all at once. Rumfoord uses his knowledge to manipulate many events, using Constant as one of his key players. The Sirens of Titan takes readers through time and space, visiting several outerspace locations, including Mars, Mercury, and Saturn's moon, Titan.

Fans of Vonnegut's work will definitely love and appreciate this novel focusing on free will and human destiny, as would fans of satire and science fiction.

I particularly enjoyed the humor and satirical elements of this novel. Vonnegut pokes fun at the human race in this novel, and the reader can't help but laugh and smile at the events that take place. Vonnegut tends to tell the reader what will happen, yet at the same time, he leaves some things as a total surprise. I'm always delighted and astounded by Vonnegut's work.

As I finish any Vonnegut work, I immediately seek another. His writing style is addictive - it has the unique quality of being extremely intelligent, deep and witty, yet fun and relatable. Anyone can pick up a Vonnegut novel and fully understand it, I think.

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. is a well-known American novelist whose work blends satire, black comedy and science fiction. He is perhaps best known for his 1969 novel, Slaughterhouse-Five, a retelling of sorts of his own experience as a prisoner of war in Dresden during its historic bombing.

The Sirens of Titan presents an interesting, suspenseful story that presents satirical elements and philosophical ideas on religion, free will and destiny. It's a fun read with a great story, and at the same time, it will make you really think about some elements of life.

The Sirens of Titan is one of my favorite Vonnegut novels, particularly because of its entertainment qualities combined with philosophical themes. It showcases Vonnegut's superb talent at writing.

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Created May 27, 2008 at 9:14am • Submit your own review...