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Conversations with Kurt Vonnegut Literary Conversations William Rodney Allen Books

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Conversations with Kurt Vonnegut Literary Conversations William Rodney Allen Books

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Conversations with Kurt Vonnegut Literary Conversations William Rodney Allen Books Reviews

I am currently in the process of writing my thesis on Kurt Vonnegut, and this book is a fantastic resource. Vonnegut is such a candid and interesting interview subject, and this collection of interviews is marvelous to have. I've used it many times to back up my research. But even if you aren't a researcher and just a fan, it's a wonderful way to get to know Vonnegut better. I'm so glad I have my own copy of this book!
As one writer on pointed out, ever since Kurt Vonnegut stopped writing novels in 1997 (or 1991, depending on whom you ask), there has been a huge hole in the literary world that can never be filled. Anyone who has ever experienced the brilliance of Vonnegut for the first time wants to immediately embark upon consuming the rest of his quite large canon. None of his books are long, and one can go through the entirety of them in a fairly short time (though they could also spend a lifetime exploring the ideas contained therein.) No doubt, anyone who has done so is joyfully grateful at having had the opportunity to enrich their lives with the humor and wisdom of Vonnegut -- but also can't help but envy the reader who is coming to the master for the first time. If you have read everything that the author ever wrote, or just about, and are looking for something to quench your appetite for Vonnegut, Conversations With Kurt Vonnegut is probably the best place to start. Authors, in general, tend to be rather reclusive and not very public figures; consequently, they often give few interviews. Vonnegut, thankfully, has not followed this trend and has given many interviews, though they started to come much less frequently after 1980. This is a great treat for both fans and scholars of the author. As an interviewee, Vonnegut is just as witty and wise, and nearly as funny, as he is in his writings. True to himself, he, as always, pulls no punches and calls things as he sees them, no matter whom it may offend (my favorite moment in the book is when he explains why Schindler's List is "sugar-coated.") It is great fun to read his interviews -- very entertaining, and a real learning experience, as well. All of the major interviews that Vonnegut has given throughout his career are included here, as well as a representative sampling of shorter pieces. Most of these will be unfamilar, and, therefore, a real treat, to even the biggest Vonnegut fan, with the exception of the monumental Playboy interview which appeared in Wampeters, Foma, and Granfalloons; this is a classic Vonnegut interview, however, and you will be rewarded by reading it again. The interviews are arranged in chronological order, ranging from 1969 through 1999, if you have the new edition, 1987 if you do not. Some of the best pieces included the aforementioned Playboy interview, Robert Scholes's 1974 interview, and the 1987 and 1999 interviews conducted with Vonnegut by the editor William Rodney Allen and Paul Smith, which focus on Vonnegut's more recent work. Another interesting piece is the 1974 Greg Mitchell feature written from the point of view of Kilgore Trout, Vonnegut's hapless protagonist, which re-enacts many of the scenes from Vonnegut's novels and incorporates real quotes from the author. Thankfully, Vonnegut has not been subjected to as many dumb and thoughtless interviewers as many have -- perhaps that's why he gave so many -- although, in reading through this book, one will probably become tired of hearing certain questions over and over again, e.g., "Are you a black humorist?" Most of these interviews, though, are great, several of them, particulary the Scholes and Allen/Smith interviews, take a role more akin to a real conversation than a mere interview. These are a joy to read. Vonnegut's most famous books, Cat's Cradle and, especially, Slaughterhouse-Five are covered extensively, as are such issues as his oft-forgotten play (Happy Birthday, Wanda June), his (first) insistence of never wanting to write again (in 1969!), and, a special treat for Vonnegut fans, his views on other authors and works of literature, namely Mark Twain and Joseph Heller, among others. These interviews show a different side of Vonnegut the man, and also give fascinating glimpses into his private life, including such details as his homes, everyday life, and family. An absolute must-read for Vonnegut fans!
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