Jailbird: A Novel

Kurt Vonnegut has a wacky writing style that makes what could be a very depressing story into a fun read. The story teller, Walter S. Starbuck. wanders with his story from one time period to another and back again, and it seems to be a disjointed story, but alas, he ties it together in the end. What interested me was a story about government workers stuck away in basement offices. No one seems to know what they do or why they are drawing a paycheck and I suspect this goes on way too much. I wonder how much of this novel is more factual than we care to acknowledge. I liked the touches of humor, the off-beat characters, and of course, its picture of what I think our bureaucrats are really like. Just think, when they go to prison for criminal activity, they can get out and return to government work again. Are you sure this is a novel?

"We are here for no purpose, unless we can invent one. Of that I am sure."Funny, tragic and insightful as usual. I laughed myself through the entire humorous fiasco. I wonder what KV would think about politics now, in 2020.

I often browse for books in the stores, and when it comes to purchasing, i prefer Amazon. I like my books in perfect condition. Amazon did not disappoint. The book is high quality.I do not rate the stories themselves, that is a personal...

Before I start this review I must say to anyone who is looking for a first time read from Vonnegut, that Jailbird is not where to start. I would recommend 'Breakfast Of Champions', 'The Sirens Of Titan', 'Cats Cradle' or 'Slaughterhouse-5'. Considering which you choose, Vonnegut will make you laugh, think and wonder and from then on you'll read all his books as I have. I have read everything by KV, some more than once and only 'Jailbird' and 'Deadeye Dick' were the two I've put aside, and for no particular reason. And so I chose Jailbird and it was a good read, but nothing groundbreaking in this novel.The book is told by and about a man named Walter Starbuck, who has just been released from prison for his involvements in the Watergate scandal. The book also tells of the American Labor movement, politics and the red scare of the fifties known as the Capitalist/Communist theory.Walter Starbuck spent his youth under the custody of Alexander McCone, one of three sons by Daniel McCone, founder and owner of the Cuyahoga Bridge and Iron Company. We also read here of the Cuyahoga Massacre between strikers and police in Cleveland.And it was Alexander McCone who promised young Starbuck a promising future and a education at Harvard. Thus the story of Walters life continues as we also learn of his past through flashbacks of previous times relevent to the tale.As with other books, Vonnegut is always funny and sometimes lovably emotional with his stories and his characters, and that is what is so great about this book. The ups and downs of living in a society, and such is the essence of life. As in his older works 'God Bless You Mr.Rosewater' and 'Player Piano' among others.And for those who love him. Kilgore Trout is indeed a part of this story. Not vital, but mentioned.

I have recently been re-reading Vonnegut novels, most of which I originally read maybe 15 years ago. I had mistakenly believed that I had read all of them. But I was surprised to find that I had no recollection of Jailbird. Therefore, at least as far as I can recall, this was the first time I have read Jailbird, and I was blown away. This may be one of Vonnegut's finest, which is saying quite a lot since I think he was a genius author.While reading Jailbird I was reminded of Bluebeard, which is another one of my favorites. Both are about aging men who have, from their perspectives, never done anything original. Of course, these are common themes in Vonnegut novels, so it should come as no surprise. But I was quite pleased to find this gem that rivals the humanity, the tenderness, the vulnerability of Bluebeard. And, of course, I got more than a few chuckles along the way as I found a proverbial whoopee cushion placed cleverly on my chair. And, *mild spoiler alert* there are a few charmingly cheap jokes tastefully placed within the story. My favorite, perhaps, "What's the difference between an enzyme and a hormone? You can't hear an enzyme."Like many Vonnegut novels, this one weaves in bits of history with fiction, but Jailbird perhaps does it best. It was utterly seamless. So well done, in fact, that I found myself afterward reading historical accounts to figure out what was fiction and what was not.Although Vonnegut generally follows his own rules and tells the reader everything up front, there are, nonetheless, a few lovely surprises to be found during the reading of this book. I found it heartbreaking in the most wonderful way.

I didn't find this picaresque novel as creative or memorable as some other Vonnegut books (e.g. Cat's Cradle, Galapagos, Slapstick), but it was still entertaining and witty at times. The social satire is more straightforward and most of the characters more realistic than in some of his other work, which may please some readers who have found Vonnegut to be too "weird" at times.

I'm a big fan of Vonnegut, but hadn't heard anything about this book other than seeing it on lists of books he wrote. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. Probably one of his top 5, in my opinion. The book has a lot of themes that are important to me-- namely labor rights and the importance of seeing the humanity in everyone you meet. If you are a Vonnegut fan, this is a MUST read

Why are all sentient creatures created merely to suffer and die?God's reply according to the first creature God created, "Why not?"From "Venus On the Halfshell" by Dr. Robert Fender.

Not his most know novel but definetly one of my favorites! Love the cynicism in this one.

I'm a big Kurt Vonnegut fan having read several of his books and I reckon that this is one of his best, and one of his funniest.We follow Walter F. Starbuck on his first 24 hours after being released from prison as he becomes subjected to a series of comical coincidences and often farcical events, interspersed with flashbacks to his past. The tale unravels into several threads and Vonnegut skillfully weaves them together to form a satisfying whole. It is Vonnegut's genius that he can create a novel of complexity, and full of ideas, yet make it read so easily and entertainingly.For those unfamiliar with Kurt Vonnegut, I would say his style is such that his books have a certain _personality_ to them, and once you become aquainted with this personality you can sit back and enjoy them like you were listening to the conversation of an old friend. But first you must be introduced, and in my opinion Jailbird is a great introduction.SGL

Great book. Laughed out loud many times. Not much of a reader but maybe I should more

This is not in Vonnegut's top league of books but for a fan of his, which I have been for many years, even a more minor Vonnegut work can be fun. Jailbird has a lot of Vonnegut trademarks and does make some serious points about American politics and way of life along the way.

Kurt at its best! An intellectual challange