Customer Reviews

Welcome to the Monkey House

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My favorite Vonnegut book, of those I have read so far (including some of his non-fiction essays, which are terrible, his most well-known novels, which are mixed, and a couple of other short story collections, which are okay). The title story---about a future society that has outlawed sexual pleasure---and "Harrison Bergeron"---a brilliant satire of egalitarianism (which is strange, considering Vonnegut's own egalitarian leanings)---are great, and there are several other good stories, and none that are really bad. Definitely worth the read.

The item I am reviewing is 5 BY KURT VONNEGUT which I ordered for my son. As the picture and copy stated it was 5 books in original slipcase. My son received one book. It was the book pictured which was "Welcome to the Monkey House". I contacted the seller and he said it was his "suppliers" fault which only brings me to the conclusion that I should make sure that I'm buying from vendors that KNOW exactly what they are advertising,what they are selling, and what they are shipping.This is really my first poor experience buying through Amazon but it brings to mind a very important "proverb"in "let the buyer beware".

Book described as like a collectible. Buyers not informed that pages brown and former owner's name written in blue ink inside book on first page.

This book is a collection of 25 short stories. They are simple but you can if you want read great depth in them. These stories would make good starters for a reading group or circle. They are professional but not extraordinary or unique.

"The year was 2081, and everyone was finally equal. They weren't only equal before God and the law. They were equal in every way."

I bought this book for one story in particular "Harrison Bergeron"; I bought the movie with Sean Astin and thought even if the story was fleshed out to be more like "This Perfect Day". So I thought it would be time to read the story. Unfortunately the short story can not hold a candle to the movie. It never really gets off the ground and comes to a curt conclusion never resolving the conflict.

Harrison Bergeron

A good collection of short stories requires a vivid imagination and a wealth of various ideas, and Vonnegut shows off both of these traits in this anthology of his short works. He is truly a creator of worlds, capable of developing a colorful setting quickly and effectively in this brief format. As many of these works were written soon after the Red Scare, there are is an underlying theme involving cynicism towards structured society in general and communism specifically. However, this compilation is certainly a diverse blend of concepts - there is everything from a world in which the human mind has evolved to shed their physical manifestation to the creation of a device that produces a euphoric sensation. Vonnegut's tales and the characters found within are deep and meaningful as well, and there his wit manifests itself in every story to make each one enjoyable and distinct. One account tells about an actor who is shy, not really knowing what to say without a script, but who can completely become the characters he plays. A sense of irony can also often be found throughout this collection, with many things turning out different from what the society worked towards or from what we expect as readers. "Welcome to the Monkey House" is truly a multifaceted gem with much to offer; I wholeheartedly recommend to all readers as a joy to read, whether done in extended sittings or one story at a time.