Writer's Crusade: Kurt Vonnegut and the Many Lives of Slaughterhouse-Five

The Writers Crusade by Tom Roston explores how Kurt Vonnegut's novel Slaughterhouse-Five, born out of the destruction of Dresden in World War II and written during the Vietnam War, became a powerful tool for him to exorcize his demons and ease the trauma of war for both the writer and the reader. The book combines Vonnegut's life story, the writing and publishing of the novel, and insights into the experiences of soldiers and writers today, making it a captivating read for fans of Vonnegut and those affected by war.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2021
Publisher: Abrams

Kurt Vonnegut, a renowned author, experienced a profound connection to his masterpiece, Slaughterhouse-Five. Born amidst the destruction of Dresden during World War II, the novel emerged during the tumultuous era of Vietnam. Traumatized by his wartime experiences, Vonnegut found solace in writing. His work, according to his family and friends, served as a means to exorcise his demons. "He was writing to save his own life," his daughter Nanette stated, "and in doing it, I think he has saved a lot of lives."

Tom Roston's The Writers Crusade delves into the profound impact of books on saving lives. Two decades after the end of World War II, Vonnegut's sixth book became an integral part of a storytelling tradition that has provided solace to both writers and readers alike. While Slaughterhouse-Five was embraced by the anti-war movement, it also became a source of support for veterans who found resonance in its pages, offering a voice that deeply understood the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced during wartime.

The Writers Crusade weaves together the narrative of Vonnegut's life, the process of writing and publishing Slaughterhouse-Five, and his exploration of the experiences of soldiers and writers today. Roston's research encompasses a wide range of sources, including papers, interviews with Vonnegut's children, scholars, psychologists, and writers such as Tim O'Brien, Kevin Powers, and Karl Marlantes. This captivating book appeals to fans of Vonnegut and those who have been touched by the consequences of war and its aftermath.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 148 x 217 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419744891