I have known about Kurt Vonnegut Jr.’s famous book Slaughter House Five, and it is still in my tbr list. But a friend of mine suggested this book, with the pretext that this is kind of dark humor book. This is my first humor read. There are so many interesting things about this book. Let me share them one by one.
A Feast of Humor
As I already mentioned this is my first humor read, I was piqued and enjoyed the author’s satire. He adds these drawings, often to elaborate the context, helps in interpreting and gives a companionship oddly. Let me explain; So you read this book alone right, sitting somewhere at your home or a public place, you continue reading the book. The marriage of words that induce a quick chuck under your breath, arises with the doubt, wait is that what he meant?! These drawings, somehow reinforce the absurdity at times, and gives you company of the author in the chaos. At the very least, those drawings meant that way to me.
I am the Creator
Let me quickly summarize the plot before I go any further. Dwayne Hoover is a well-established used Pontiac car dealer in Midland City and he owns various other businesses as well. His wife died by suicide recently and he is lived by a son. Kilgore Trout is a science fiction writer. He has written many novels and short stories, but he is not aware if his works are published, because he sends them to random publications without any follow-up. Sometimes, he finds his work in porn magazines. He has three ex-wives and a son.
Kurt reveals that these two characters meet and that meeting is not going to be a pleasant one, as Dwayne is losing his sanity gradually. The whole book then focusses on things that are most often irrelevant, ( let me come to this later ), while also expanding on the journey of the two characters, circumstances they dwell in and the thoughts of the individuals, with overpowering narration.
Kurt Vonnegut Jr., often confronts the characters and takes ownership of their being. As of now, I haven’t read a book where the author interferes with the characters this way. This also indicates that the author can actually take the plot to any length and not follow the rules we expect, that the story must follow. It jolts the reader to pay attention as well as wonder why the author takes over control at times. It does not fail to give the idea that, the perspective is what matters and there is no one who has control over things. This idea will be carried forward by one of the Kilgore Trout’s works and Dwayne Hoover interpretation leads to the course of that one meeting, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. described at the start of the book.
Post Modernism
I didn’t have any idea about this book being an attempt of post-modernist work, while reading the book. A quick internet search revealed this to me and after that, the book made sense to me.
So Kurt Vonnegut Jr. put forward this work of his, Breakfast of champions as his 50th birthday gift to himself. The interference with his characters and the absurd stuffs that he disguises in the form of Kilgore Trout’s sci-fi stories, creates a chaos where search for order is kindled.
Postmodernism embraces ambiguity, complexity, and the idea that meaning is subjective and context-dependent. It often incorporates elements of past styles and rejects the notion of a linear progression in art, literature, philosophy, and other disciplines. Postmodernism encourages a playful and self-aware approach to storytelling, art, and thought, acknowledging the influence of diverse perspectives and the impact of mass media on shaping contemporary culture.
So, there was no purpose of certain narrations of the author. There need not be a purpose is the idea. The notion of finding a purpose in the life, following and there by growing is an illusion. There is no need for us to contemplate, understand and live by the higher order. Sometimes and some things are devoid of order and its complexity puts forward the essence of perspectives and subjectivity. To establish a non-linear storytelling style with his own signature of humor elements elevates the book to being an interesting read to an introspective read as well.
Conclusion
Breakfast of Champions also puts forward the idea of how we judge someone by the wrong things, often things that don’t matter. The title itself is a ploy by the author. I enjoyed reading this book and more that that, reflecting on it. If you need a fun, humorous and easy read, this book is a go-to. Fingers crossed to read his other works !
Rating: 4/5
Lit Loom 