Kurt Vonnegut is a very old man. After turning 82 in November he released, A Man Without a Country, his first new novel since 1997.
Radio host and author Studs Terkel represents many readers on the book’s back cover, “Thank God, Kurt Vonnegut has broken his promise that he will never write another book.”
In the book, Vonnegut diverges from his normal route. He does not bury autobiographical elements in characters because there are none. Instead, Vonnegut gives himself to readers. He is cranky, melancholy and advisory while discussing the Bush Administration, war in Iraq and environmental issues.
Vonnegut writes as if responding to questions that his readers have always wanted him to answer. As an aged writer he writes unabashedly and delivers directly.
I, too, wanted these answers, but reading was sad, as though Vonnegut has announced the game and the joke is over.
My recommendation comes with reserve. Read A Man Without a Country if you are a serious Vonnegut fan, but if you are not, read his other novels first. Fans should beware. Although you will reap wisdom, insight and quotable material, you will also dread the end of a momentous career.
Although Vonnegut has mentioned that another book might be in the works, he has hinted through this novel that this might be the end.
“I really don’t know what I’m going to become from now on…I’m startled that I became a writer. I don’t think I can control my life or my writing…All I really wanted to do was give people the relief of laughing…And I urge you to please notice when you are happy.”