Cat's Cradle: A Novel

Kurt Vonnegut

Nov 2009 · Sold by Dial Press

About this ebook

“A free-wheeling vehicle . . . an unforgettable ride!”—The New York Times 

Cat’s Cradle is Kurt Vonnegut’s satirical commentary on modern man and his madness. An apocalyptic tale of this planet’s ultimate fate, it features a midget as the protagonist, a complete, original theology created by a calypso singer, and a vision of the future that is at once blackly fatalistic and hilariously funny. A book that left an indelible mark on an entire generation of readers, Cat’s Cradle is one of the twentieth century’s most important works—and Vonnegut at his very best.

“[Vonnegut is] an unimitative and inimitable social satirist.”—Harper’s Magazine

“Our finest black-humorist . . . We laugh in self-defense.”—Atlantic Monthly

Ratings and reviews

Excellent literary novel with hints of science fiction and high doses of dark humor. A tongue in cheek satire about the silliness and seriousness of religion with jabs at communism, capitalism, dictatorships, lemming mentality and the hypocrisy of government. Although enjoyable from beginning to end, I thought the journey was way more satisfying than the destination. The ending seemed a bit clunky to me. If the author had a message to deliver at the end, it was lost to me. But the story as a whole is nevertheless engrossing and worth the ride.

This is the first Vonnegut I ever read and still my favorite. He has such a great writing style that both haunts you and keeps you enthralled on every word. Don't expect happy endings with him, but something about that makes it feel more real, even when it's absurd.

45 years ago I was ushered off to college to become the next Kurt Vonnegut. I became a famous computer programmer instead. And I lost this man's name, the name of the forecaster who inspired me to write in the first place. All those years go by, and I couldn't remember his name. And you will laugh. But a week ago his name came to me while I was sitting on the toilet. Like someone put it there...returned it to it's proper place. So I bought this book and started reading. And I rediscovered myself. I've been reborn. I understand what I was put on earth to do. This book is about what we are going through in the first 6 months of the year 2020. Anyone confused about our fate should buy a copy, read it and share it with their friends. I'm inspired to write again...just because I read it. Kurt, I hope I make you proud.

About the author

Kurt Vonnegut’s humor, satiric voice, and incomparable imagination first captured America’s attention in The Sirens of Titan in 1959 and established him as “a true artist” (The New York Times) with Cat’s Cradle in 1963. He was, as Graham Greene declared, “one of the best living American writers.” Mr. Vonnegut passed away in April 2007.