Vonnegut - are ther others like him?

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Tue, 2004-08-10 00:26

Or his he our only (now retired) hope?

Are there any other writers who combine a compassionate humanism (and dare I say it, socialism) with sharp wit and the occasional deep melancholy - usually in response to the foolish ways we live, when there is (or should be) a better way?

I'm pretty pleased with Iain (M) Banks, but do any of you have any suggestions? Or, indeed, comments on Vonnegut and his style of fiction and perspective on the world itself?

Cheers,

Andrew Bartlett
http://bartlettsbizarrebazaar.blogspot.com

Wed, 2004-08-11 14:27

Peter Wild

If you like Vonnegut it's very possible you'd like Brautigan (start with The Abortion or Sombrero Fallout), Jim Dodge (Fup is special but Stone Junction and Not Fade Away are worth a dabble), some Philip Roth (his American trilogy - American Pastoral, I Married a Communist and The Human Stain - in particular but also The Plot Against America which rocks), John Kennedy Toole (cos you should always have time for John Kennedy Toole and his amazing Confederacy of Dunces) and - perhaps peculialrly on the surface - I'd also say Don Quixote (Cervantes and Vonnegut share a very distinct and sour comic worldview). That should kep you going for a while . . .

Thu, 2004-08-12 15:28

Tony Cook

... also the magnificent Tom Robbins. Plus some Norman Mailer, Tom Wolfe's Electric Kool Aid Acid Test...oh and lots more. I'll have to check my bookshelves. I love this stuff.

Tue, 2004-08-17 22:05

Hen

I'm not sure I'd *want* to find another Vonnegut. Part of his power for me is his uniqueness. When many writers or leaders espouse the same theories and attitudes it becomes a movement, which then usually falls prey to dumb caricaturing, and a feeling of failure. When there's one man behind it, it's more human. It's like...would you rather have existentialism (the very word seems redundant now,) or just Albert Camus? For me, it would be the latter.

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