One of the outstanding figures of modern US literature, Kurt Vonnegut, has died aged 84 in New York.
One of the outstanding figures of modern US literature, Kurt Vonnegut, has died aged 84 in New York.
He became a cult figure among students in the 1960s and 1970s with his classics of US counterculture.
He became a cult figure among students in the 1960s and 1970s with his classics of US counterculture.
The defining moment of his life was the firebombing of Dresden by allied forces in 1945 - which became the basis of his best-known work, Slaughterhouse Five.
The defining moment of his life was the firebombing of Dresden by allied forces in 1945 - which became the basis of his best-known work, Slaughterhouse Five.
He suffered brain injuries after a fall at his home in Manhattan and died on Wednesday, said his wife Jill Krementz.
He suffered brain injuries after a fall at his home in Manhattan and died on Wednesday, said his wife Jill Krementz.
SELECTED VONNEGUT BOOKS Player Piano (1952)The Sirens Of Titan (1959)Cat's Cradle (1963)Slaughterhouse-Five (1969)Breakfast Of Champions (1973)Jailbird (1979)Deadeye Dick (1982)Timequake (1996) Vonnegut was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1922 - a fourth-generation German-American.
SELECTED VONNEGUT BOOKS Player Piano (1952)The Sirens Of Titan (1959)Cat's Cradle (1963)Slaughterhouse-Five (1969)Breakfast Of Champions (1973)Jailbird (1979)Deadeye Dick (1982)Timequake (1996) Vonnegut was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1922 - a fourth-generation German-American.
He studied chemistry at New York's Cornell University before serving in the US Air Force during World War II.
He studied chemistry at New York's Cornell University before serving in the US Air Force during World War II.
After leaving the army, he reported for Chicago's City News bureau, then joined the public relations department of General Electric - a job he loathed.
After leaving the army, he reported for Chicago's City News bureau, then joined the public relations department of General Electric - a job he loathed.
His first novel, Player Piano, was published in 1951. The story, which describes a world in which machines have taken over, led to the author being dismissed as a science fiction writer.
His first novel, Player Piano, was published in 1951. The story, which describes a world in which machines have taken over, led to the author being dismissed as a science fiction writer.
Vonnegut was initially seen as a science fiction authorCritical acclaim came 11 years later, in 1963, with the publication of Cat's Cradle.
Vonnegut was initially seen as a science fiction authorCritical acclaim came 11 years later, in 1963, with the publication of Cat's Cradle.
The novel is a satire on modern science which, according to Vonnegut, promises progress while bringing about the end of the world.
The novel is a satire on modern science which, according to Vonnegut, promises progress while bringing about the end of the world.
In the story, Caribbean islanders adopt a new religion - Bokononism - after scientists create Ice-9, a crystal that turns water solid and eventually destroys all life on Earth.
In the story, Caribbean islanders adopt a new religion - Bokononism - after scientists create Ice-9, a crystal that turns water solid and eventually destroys all life on Earth.
But his best-known work is Slaughterhouse Five - a treatise on the bombing of the German city of Dresden during World War II, based on Vonnegut's own experiences.
But his best-known work is Slaughterhouse Five - a treatise on the bombing of the German city of Dresden during World War II, based on Vonnegut's own experiences.
'Extraordinary Success'
'Extraordinary Success'
As a young soldier, Vonnegut had been taken prisoner in the city, but survived with other PoWs by hiding in an underground meat locker.
As a young soldier, Vonnegut had been taken prisoner in the city, but survived with other PoWs by hiding in an underground meat locker.
After the bombing, in which 135,000 people died, Vonnegut and his fellow prisoners were forced to dig corpses out of the rubble.
After the bombing, in which 135,000 people died, Vonnegut and his fellow prisoners were forced to dig corpses out of the rubble.
Slaughterhouse Five uses the bombing raid as a symbol of the cruelty and destructiveness of war down through the centuries.
Slaughterhouse Five uses the bombing raid as a symbol of the cruelty and destructiveness of war down through the centuries.
It was published in 1969 against the backdrop of the war in Vietnam, racial unrest and cultural and social upheaval in the United States
Vonnegut married his second wife Jill Krementz in 1979It was published in 1969 against the backdrop of the war in Vietnam, racial unrest and cultural and social upheaval in the United States
The New York Times book review called it "an extraordinary success," adding "it is a book we need to read, and to reread".
The New York Times book review called it "an extraordinary success," adding "it is a book we need to read, and to reread".
Vonnegut married his second wife Jill Krementz in 1979Vonnegut also wrote several plays, including Happy Birthday, Wanda June, as well as several works of non-fiction and collections of short stories
Vonnegut also wrote several plays, including Happy Birthday, Wanda June, as well as several works of non-fiction and collections of short stories
Last year, he came out of semi-retirement to write a new book - A Man Without a Country - because of his "contempt" for current US President George W Bush.
Last year, he came out of semi-retirement to write a new book - A Man Without a Country - because of his "contempt" for current US President George W Bush.
Despite commercial success, Vonnegut battled with depression throughout his life and in 1984 he attempted suicide with pills and alcohol, later joking that he had botched the job.
Despite commercial success, Vonnegut battled with depression throughout his life and in 1984 he attempted suicide with pills and alcohol, later joking that he had botched the job.
The author is survived by his wife, photographer Jill Krementz, their daughter and his six other children.
The author is survived by his wife, photographer Jill Krementz, their daughter and his six other children.
Send your tributes using the form at the bottom of the page.
Send your tributes using the form at the bottom of the page.
Kurt Vonnegut, humorist and humanist will be sadly missed. There are fewer and fewer people in our world who have the intelligence and wit to ridicule the likes of George W Bush. Adieu Kurt VonnegutMatt Myers, Redhill, Surrey
Kurt Vonnegut, humorist and humanist will be sadly missed. There are fewer and fewer people in our world who have the intelligence and wit to ridicule the likes of George W Bush. Adieu Kurt VonnegutMatt Myers, Redhill, Surrey
Quite simply one of the most under-rated authors of his generation, along with John Sladek. Similar to Sladek, I believe he suffered from being branded a science fiction writer when his work cut across all genres. His wicked sense of humour will be sadly missed. As he would often say when someone died in one of his books - "So it goes"Simon Wallace, Edinburgh
Quite simply one of the most under-rated authors of his generation, along with John Sladek. Similar to Sladek, I believe he suffered from being branded a science fiction writer when his work cut across all genres. His wicked sense of humour will be sadly missed. As he would often say when someone died in one of his books - "So it goes"Simon Wallace, Edinburgh
I'd never encountered any writer so scathingly insightful yet full of compassion and hope Patrick, London, UK I read Slaughterhouse Five And Cat's Cradle as a teenager and remember the effect they had on me. Vonnegut loved to write about how pointless life is and how destructive human nature can be, I'd never encountered any writer so scathingly insightful yet full of compassion and hope. He was a great man and will be sorely missed.Patrick, London, UK
I'd never encountered any writer so scathingly insightful yet full of compassion and hope Patrick, London, UK I read Slaughterhouse Five And Cat's Cradle as a teenager and remember the effect they had on me. Vonnegut loved to write about how pointless life is and how destructive human nature can be, I'd never encountered any writer so scathingly insightful yet full of compassion and hope. He was a great man and will be sorely missed.Patrick, London, UK
While studying in the US during the late 1980s I worked as a waiter in the famous Garden Restaurant in Philadelphia. One evening, my attention was drawn to a freshly hatched dinosaur on table 11. I asked my fellow waiters if they thought they knew who he was. Blank stares. "Get some coffee to table five," someone shouted. The maitre d', a slightly better-informed person, took one look at table 11, smiled, and said: "It couldn't be, surely". I grabbed the coffee pot and that was the end of it, at least until 3am when my phone rang. Cheryl Cotton, our maitre d' was screaming at the other end. "It's him" she roared. (She had been filing the credit card slips.) I had never doubted the fact, but the story is interesting to me because, 20 years earlier, EVERY waiter would have recognised Vonnegut. How things have changed.Martin Hurley, Saudi Arabia (and Ireland)
While studying in the US during the late 1980s I worked as a waiter in the famous Garden Restaurant in Philadelphia. One evening, my attention was drawn to a freshly hatched dinosaur on table 11. I asked my fellow waiters if they thought they knew who he was. Blank stares. "Get some coffee to table five," someone shouted. The maitre d', a slightly better-informed person, took one look at table 11, smiled, and said: "It couldn't be, surely". I grabbed the coffee pot and that was the end of it, at least until 3am when my phone rang. Cheryl Cotton, our maitre d' was screaming at the other end. "It's him" she roared. (She had been filing the credit card slips.) I had never doubted the fact, but the story is interesting to me because, 20 years earlier, EVERY waiter would have recognised Vonnegut. How things have changed.Martin Hurley, Saudi Arabia (and Ireland)
Kurt Vonnegut isn't dead, he's chronosynclastically infundibulated.Nick
Kurt Vonnegut isn't dead, he's chronosynclastically infundibulated.Nick
If we are here on Earth to fart about, then thanks for farting about in the way you did.Ben R Gray, London / Brighton
If we are here on Earth to fart about, then thanks for farting about in the way you did.Ben R Gray, London / Brighton
This is sad news. He inspired many people and left me laughing and crying at the same time. Thanks Kurt for the lovely words... We need more people like him to paint the true picture of this world we live in... His book "slaughterhouse 5" is one of my fave books and inspired me to write my first song.Phil McCammon, Zürich, Switzerland
This is sad news. He inspired many people and left me laughing and crying at the same time. Thanks Kurt for the lovely words... We need more people like him to paint the true picture of this world we live in... His book "slaughterhouse 5" is one of my fave books and inspired me to write my first song.Phil McCammon, Zürich, Switzerland
Kurt Vonnegut was a truly unique writer with a keen eye for the absurdities of modern life. He will be sadly missed.Grant Rencourt, Portsmouth, Hants
Kurt Vonnegut was a truly unique writer with a keen eye for the absurdities of modern life. He will be sadly missed.Grant Rencourt, Portsmouth, Hants
The world has lost a great writer and most importantly a unique thinker Diego Gonzalez, London, United Kingdom The world has lost a great writer and most importantly a unique thinker. Vonnegut's composition, story line and style of writing brings rationality and emotions together as a way to see life as it is. Vonnegut has inspired a lot of writers to speak their minds, and most importantly to have their own personal and unique opinion based on past experiences. The rest is blah-blah theories. Kurt, wherever you are now, you will be greatly missed....Diego Gonzalez, London, United Kingdom
The world has lost a great writer and most importantly a unique thinker Diego Gonzalez, London, United Kingdom The world has lost a great writer and most importantly a unique thinker. Vonnegut's composition, story line and style of writing brings rationality and emotions together as a way to see life as it is. Vonnegut has inspired a lot of writers to speak their minds, and most importantly to have their own personal and unique opinion based on past experiences. The rest is blah-blah theories. Kurt, wherever you are now, you will be greatly missed....Diego Gonzalez, London, United Kingdom
He was a man without slogans or ideals, without icons or symbols, and without rhetoric and promises. He was a man of context. Hopefully, the world notices a few more of the ugly details in reality because of him, and what the beautiful ones are supposed to look like. He will be missed like a friend.Mike Linvill, Los Angeles, USA
He was a man without slogans or ideals, without icons or symbols, and without rhetoric and promises. He was a man of context. Hopefully, the world notices a few more of the ugly details in reality because of him, and what the beautiful ones are supposed to look like. He will be missed like a friend.Mike Linvill, Los Angeles, USA
For me, the best writer of the 20th century, and Slaughterhouse 5 - a book from which Vonnegut relieved what is truly shocking (because real) by adding some funny science fiction - the best book of 20th century. So much compassion in that book. Mind you, that applies to everything he wrote. His death is a great loss to the literary world.Pamela Marqueyrol, Plaisir, France
For me, the best writer of the 20th century, and Slaughterhouse 5 - a book from which Vonnegut relieved what is truly shocking (because real) by adding some funny science fiction - the best book of 20th century. So much compassion in that book. Mind you, that applies to everything he wrote. His death is a great loss to the literary world.Pamela Marqueyrol, Plaisir, France
I feel kind of cheated that Kurt actually went and died - he's been around so long he seemed immortal. Good luck wherever you are, sweet prince, and thanks for being the voice of reason for so many of us who love America.Mike Morris, Oxford, G.B.
I feel kind of cheated that Kurt actually went and died - he's been around so long he seemed immortal. Good luck wherever you are, sweet prince, and thanks for being the voice of reason for so many of us who love America.Mike Morris, Oxford, G.B.
He was truly innovative, and a pleasure to study Claire Spencer, Birmingham, England Ever since I first picked up Cat's Cradle, I have respected Vonnegut for being able to convey the beautiful, the terrible and the complex - using exactly the words needed, and nothing more. He was truly innovative, and a pleasure to study. I hope his death was not a painful one, and that the world may continue to appreciate his work. Claire Spencer, Birmingham, England
He was truly innovative, and a pleasure to study Claire Spencer, Birmingham, England Ever since I first picked up Cat's Cradle, I have respected Vonnegut for being able to convey the beautiful, the terrible and the complex - using exactly the words needed, and nothing more. He was truly innovative, and a pleasure to study. I hope his death was not a painful one, and that the world may continue to appreciate his work. Claire Spencer, Birmingham, England
A rare gem, in that he was a serious and profound writer who also managed to build a huge cult following. He's also rare and special in that (like JG Ballard) he persuaded me to read what could be described science fiction, a genre I usually have little time for. I hope he's remembered for what he was... one of the most important creative minds of the 20th century.Adrian Clark, London, UK
A rare gem, in that he was a serious and profound writer who also managed to build a huge cult following. He's also rare and special in that (like JG Ballard) he persuaded me to read what could be described science fiction, a genre I usually have little time for. I hope he's remembered for what he was... one of the most important creative minds of the 20th century.Adrian Clark, London, UK
Planet Earth has lost one of its finest. Kurt Vonnegut was a man of colossal intelligence, humanity, wisdom and humour. No other writer has so perfectly elucidated the absurdities and joys of existence. If you haven't read any of his works, do so - share in the mind of one of the funniest and most truthful human beings who ever drew breath. He was an American sage and an incomparable genius. His passing impoverishes us all. Goodbye, Mr. Vonnegut. Adrian Dann, Worcester, UK
Planet Earth has lost one of its finest. Kurt Vonnegut was a man of colossal intelligence, humanity, wisdom and humour. No other writer has so perfectly elucidated the absurdities and joys of existence. If you haven't read any of his works, do so - share in the mind of one of the funniest and most truthful human beings who ever drew breath. He was an American sage and an incomparable genius. His passing impoverishes us all. Goodbye, Mr. Vonnegut. Adrian Dann, Worcester, UK
I read Slaughterhouse 5 in high school and it defined the way I look at literature and the world forever after. Kurt Vonnegut was a true outside of the lines thinker, whose writing showed that nothing has to be the way you think it is or should be. Player Piano and Breakfast of Champions are counterculture classics which should be mandatory reading in any modern literature class.Jan Julicher, UK
I read Slaughterhouse 5 in high school and it defined the way I look at literature and the world forever after. Kurt Vonnegut was a true outside of the lines thinker, whose writing showed that nothing has to be the way you think it is or should be. Player Piano and Breakfast of Champions are counterculture classics which should be mandatory reading in any modern literature class.Jan Julicher, UK
Kurt Vonnegut was an inspirational writer who re-defined the creative dimensions of the 20th century novel.
Kurt Vonnegut was an inspirational writer who re-defined the creative dimensions of the 20th century novel.
Reading his books was an adventure, a mystery, always hugely entertaining with a moral and political sensibility that was deeply human and finely tuned.Spike Marchant, London UK
Reading his books was an adventure, a mystery, always hugely entertaining with a moral and political sensibility that was deeply human and finely tuned.Spike Marchant, London UK
In the mortal words of Bokonon, "It is never a mistake to say good-bye." So I say goodbye to you Mr. Vonnegut!William, Long Beach, CA
In the mortal words of Bokonon, "It is never a mistake to say good-bye." So I say goodbye to you Mr. Vonnegut!William, Long Beach, CA
Here was someone who could see the absurdity of mankind and wrote about it brilliantly Kirsten Morel, Jersey, Channel Islands Discovering Kurt Vonnegut's work was one of the most important discoveries of my life. Here was someone who could see the absurdity of mankind and wrote about it brilliantly. Of course, I never met him but nonetheless, I will miss him, the planet is going to be a lesser place without Kurt Vonnegut.Kirsten Morel, Jersey, Channel Islands
Here was someone who could see the absurdity of mankind and wrote about it brilliantly Kirsten Morel, Jersey, Channel Islands Discovering Kurt Vonnegut's work was one of the most important discoveries of my life. Here was someone who could see the absurdity of mankind and wrote about it brilliantly. Of course, I never met him but nonetheless, I will miss him, the planet is going to be a lesser place without Kurt Vonnegut.Kirsten Morel, Jersey, Channel Islands
I'll count myself incredibly lucky for having attended a talk a few years back by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. But I'll count myself luckier still simply, like millions of others, for having found, read, and enjoyed his works. A great writer, and a great human.Adam, Berlin
I'll count myself incredibly lucky for having attended a talk a few years back by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. But I'll count myself luckier still simply, like millions of others, for having found, read, and enjoyed his works. A great writer, and a great human.Adam, Berlin
Kurt Vonnegut's books were a revelation to me when I first discovered them. He is an author I can read and re-read endlessly, always finding something new each time. I keep his "A Man Without a Country" by my bedside. Bush should take note and learn.Shelley Phillips, St Albans. UK
Kurt Vonnegut's books were a revelation to me when I first discovered them. He is an author I can read and re-read endlessly, always finding something new each time. I keep his "A Man Without a Country" by my bedside. Bush should take note and learn.Shelley Phillips, St Albans. UK
Kurt Vonnegut's work is eye-opening. After first reading Breakfast Of Champions around 1980 I've read all his books. My personal favourite is Cat's Cradle (1963) which deals brilliantly with science and the swindle of organised religion. It also introduces great new words and concepts that will live on in loving memory. M. Curtis, Copenhagen, Denmark
Kurt Vonnegut's work is eye-opening. After first reading Breakfast Of Champions around 1980 I've read all his books. My personal favourite is Cat's Cradle (1963) which deals brilliantly with science and the swindle of organised religion. It also introduces great new words and concepts that will live on in loving memory. M. Curtis, Copenhagen, Denmark
For Slaughterhouse-Five alone, Vonnegut would be worthy of entry to the pantheon of all time literary greats. Subversive, hilarious and devastating by turns in modern classics like Cat's Cradle, Mother Night and Bluebeard, he is worthy of mention in the same breath as Arthur Miller or Joseph Heller.Anonymous
For Slaughterhouse-Five alone, Vonnegut would be worthy of entry to the pantheon of all time literary greats. Subversive, hilarious and devastating by turns in modern classics like Cat's Cradle, Mother Night and Bluebeard, he is worthy of mention in the same breath as Arthur Miller or Joseph Heller.Anonymous
Never did one writer capture the deeply dark, absurd and hilarious nature of human existence. Reading his writing was always a chance to touch base with someone who understood what it means to be alive, and I always came away from one of his books with a smile.Rob Godden, London, UK
Never did one writer capture the deeply dark, absurd and hilarious nature of human existence. Reading his writing was always a chance to touch base with someone who understood what it means to be alive, and I always came away from one of his books with a smile.Rob Godden, London, UK
You showed me another way.Paul Chahal
You showed me another way.Paul Chahal
A true literary hero. His books dealt with such serious subject matter in often highly colourful and humorous fashion. A truly accessible author and someone who brought me lots of pleasure. You'll be missed, Kurt.Carlo, London
A true literary hero. His books dealt with such serious subject matter in often highly colourful and humorous fashion. A truly accessible author and someone who brought me lots of pleasure. You'll be missed, Kurt.Carlo, London
Kurt Vonnegut was one of the few unique and defining voices of American literature in the last century. He created a genre in which you could drown yourself in an absurdist reality. His very stylized, American voice will truly be missed. Jacqueline Fabius, Stockholm, Sweden (these days)
Kurt Vonnegut was one of the few unique and defining voices of American literature in the last century. He created a genre in which you could drown yourself in an absurdist reality. His very stylized, American voice will truly be missed. Jacqueline Fabius, Stockholm, Sweden (these days)
Still remember wide-eyedness, quickly followed by laughter, when first discovering Vonnegut's easy style, irreverence and humour. His books should be given to impatient teens everywhere - quick fixes of joy and reason. Pete, Manchester, UK
Still remember wide-eyedness, quickly followed by laughter, when first discovering Vonnegut's easy style, irreverence and humour. His books should be given to impatient teens everywhere - quick fixes of joy and reason. Pete, Manchester, UK
The guardian of America's soul has died. What hope has that country got now?Tom C, London
The guardian of America's soul has died. What hope has that country got now?Tom C, London
I will always remember Kurt Vonnegut as the writer that helped define the person I came to be Don Reid, Vestal, USA I will always remember Kurt Vonnegut as the writer that helped define the person I came to be. I have read and re-read virtually everything he's ever written and his compassion and humanity for all of mankind, despite its' flaws, always came out in his books. He has made the journey through a confusing world easier for millions and he will be sorely missed.Don Reid, Vestal, USA
I will always remember Kurt Vonnegut as the writer that helped define the person I came to be Don Reid, Vestal, USA I will always remember Kurt Vonnegut as the writer that helped define the person I came to be. I have read and re-read virtually everything he's ever written and his compassion and humanity for all of mankind, despite its' flaws, always came out in his books. He has made the journey through a confusing world easier for millions and he will be sorely missed.Don Reid, Vestal, USA
I think Kurt Vonnegut definitely belongs among the greatest writers and thinkers of our time and having read most of his books in Finnish I found them mind-inspiring and sometimes comically ironic. I seem to have similar sense of humour. Player Piano is my favourite, picturing one kind of future, to which over-automatization and constant drive to raise productivity may lead to. I wish to send my tributes to the relatives and friends of Mr. Vonnegut worldwide. Jukka Vaijärvi, Helsinki, Finland
I think Kurt Vonnegut definitely belongs among the greatest writers and thinkers of our time and having read most of his books in Finnish I found them mind-inspiring and sometimes comically ironic. I seem to have similar sense of humour. Player Piano is my favourite, picturing one kind of future, to which over-automatization and constant drive to raise productivity may lead to. I wish to send my tributes to the relatives and friends of Mr. Vonnegut worldwide. Jukka Vaijärvi, Helsinki, Finland
For all his dark humour and savage sending up of the way the world works, no writer has appreciated and celebrated goodness and decency more. The human race has lost one of its finest champions. An irreplaceable voice of sanity in our mad times.Christine Jonas, Wolverhampton, England
For all his dark humour and savage sending up of the way the world works, no writer has appreciated and celebrated goodness and decency more. The human race has lost one of its finest champions. An irreplaceable voice of sanity in our mad times.Christine Jonas, Wolverhampton, England
I will always treasure Vonnegut's cynical contempt for the idiocy that has come to define the modern world. Its the only thing that keeps life from really being bizarre. Fortunately, its not real, for that would be truly tragic, if not downright funny.Steve Erickson, Whidbey Island, United States
I will always treasure Vonnegut's cynical contempt for the idiocy that has come to define the modern world. Its the only thing that keeps life from really being bizarre. Fortunately, its not real, for that would be truly tragic, if not downright funny.Steve Erickson, Whidbey Island, United States
I'm sure 'so it goes' will be thrown around a whole bunch, but, so it goes.Trevor Belley, Edmonton, Canada
I'm sure 'so it goes' will be thrown around a whole bunch, but, so it goes.Trevor Belley, Edmonton, Canada
He had the gift to make good, pointed literature fun and interesting Greg Wyss, Huntingdon, UK Kurt Vonnegut's death is yet another blow for the golden generation of American and world authors. He had the gift to make good, pointed literature fun and interesting; rather than a chore. He also had the ability to discuss his own life without over dramatizing or sounding maudlin; another rarity in this day and age. While his more recent books may have lacked some of the impact of his earlier work they still made modern authors look like the self obsessed predictable lot that they are. Greg Wyss, Huntingdon, UK
He had the gift to make good, pointed literature fun and interesting Greg Wyss, Huntingdon, UK Kurt Vonnegut's death is yet another blow for the golden generation of American and world authors. He had the gift to make good, pointed literature fun and interesting; rather than a chore. He also had the ability to discuss his own life without over dramatizing or sounding maudlin; another rarity in this day and age. While his more recent books may have lacked some of the impact of his earlier work they still made modern authors look like the self obsessed predictable lot that they are. Greg Wyss, Huntingdon, UK
More than any other writer Kurt affected and even directed me. The man was a kind, gentle genius. Kurt spoke in Portland 15 years ago when he received an honour from a humanist organization. As Kurt then said of Isaac Asimov, "He is in heaven now." And our loss is heaven's gain. My condolences to the family. And thank you, Kurt! Tom Thomas H. Nelson, Welches, Oregon, USA
More than any other writer Kurt affected and even directed me. The man was a kind, gentle genius. Kurt spoke in Portland 15 years ago when he received an honour from a humanist organization. As Kurt then said of Isaac Asimov, "He is in heaven now." And our loss is heaven's gain. My condolences to the family. And thank you, Kurt! Tom Thomas H. Nelson, Welches, Oregon, USA
I started reading Vonnegut when I was 18 and now at the age of 30 have read all of his books and short stories. He and his work became the symbol of light in my life and I will miss him terribly. Sally Evans, London, UK
I started reading Vonnegut when I was 18 and now at the age of 30 have read all of his books and short stories. He and his work became the symbol of light in my life and I will miss him terribly. Sally Evans, London, UK
I wondered why I was having such a difficult day today, perhaps it was because of the passing of such a great influence on my life. I am saddened to hear of his death. His writings were a pressure relief valve of sorts for me.Matt, Anchorage, Alaska
I wondered why I was having such a difficult day today, perhaps it was because of the passing of such a great influence on my life. I am saddened to hear of his death. His writings were a pressure relief valve of sorts for me.Matt, Anchorage, Alaska
It is not many authors who come out of retirement, simply because of their contempt for the world's most powerful leader. A credit to the writing world - a writer with a social conscience. A rarity in the writing world - he will be missed.Phil Brand., London, England.
It is not many authors who come out of retirement, simply because of their contempt for the world's most powerful leader. A credit to the writing world - a writer with a social conscience. A rarity in the writing world - he will be missed.Phil Brand., London, England.
This is a tremendous loss. I first started reading Vonnegut 25 years ago, when I was 15. In a way it's surprising that he lived as long as he did, given his addiction to a certain brand of cigarettes, whose manufacturers he said he would sue for not killing him! Without Kurt Vonnegut who is now left to redeem the United States? He was a conscience that country so badly needs. I hope that the burghers of Dresden name a Kurt Vonnegut Platz in his honour!Paul Connolly, Coventry, England
This is a tremendous loss. I first started reading Vonnegut 25 years ago, when I was 15. In a way it's surprising that he lived as long as he did, given his addiction to a certain brand of cigarettes, whose manufacturers he said he would sue for not killing him! Without Kurt Vonnegut who is now left to redeem the United States? He was a conscience that country so badly needs. I hope that the burghers of Dresden name a Kurt Vonnegut Platz in his honour!Paul Connolly, Coventry, England
Favourite quote: "Have you ever seen bugs trapped in amber?""Well, here we are, Mr. Pilgrim, trapped in the amber of this moment. There is no why."Slaughterhouse FiveSteve Woods, Edinburgh
Favourite quote: "Have you ever seen bugs trapped in amber?""Well, here we are, Mr. Pilgrim, trapped in the amber of this moment. There is no why."Slaughterhouse FiveSteve Woods, Edinburgh
