idairanavarro

This is a good book for Vonnegut fans. I enjoyed having a chronological perspective on the most notable part of his writing career. The author was a lifelong friend of Kurt Vonnegut's, and she is a fan too, so what results is a very kind and gentle depiction of the late writer. There are some vague passages about the exact nature of the author's relationship with Vonnegut--there seems to have been a romantic connection there, but it is never depicted in plain terms. For my taste, there tends to be too much discussion of Vonnegut's speeches, letters, and public appearances, but obviously these are the kinds of details that the book's author has ample access to, in addition to several decades' worth of correspondence. But I found interesting the insights into Vonnegut's private struggles with his novels and consternation about his reception (or lack of it) in the academic community. The portrait that emerges of a sometimes painfully humane, earnest artist makes this memoir a memorable read for those like myself who are pleased to have their impression of Kurt Vonnegut validated. This makes me eager to read the fuller Vonnegut bio yet to be published and will prompt me to reread many of his works.

2020-09-07 05:22