Kurt Vonnegut: Letters is a collection of letters written by American author Kurt Vonnegut, edited by his friend and fellow writer Dan Wakefield. Published by Delacorte Press on October 30, 2012, the book compiles a wide range of Vonnegut's correspondence spanning his entire life, offering insight into his personal thoughts, relationships, and the development of his literary career.[1]
Background
Kurt Vonnegut (1922–2007) was a renowned American author known for his satirical and darkly humorous novels, including Slaughterhouse-Five, Cat's Cradle, and Breakfast of Champions.[2] Over his lifetime, he wrote numerous letters to friends, family, editors, and fellow writers.[1] This collection was meticulously compiled and edited by Dan Wakefield, who was a close friend of Vonnegut.[3] Wakefield provides context and annotations throughout the book, enriching the reader's understanding of the letters' significance.[1]
Content
The letters in the collection cover a wide range of topics, including Vonnegut's experiences during World War II, his views on politics and society, his struggles and triumphs as a writer, and his personal relationships.[4] The book is divided into sections that correspond to different periods in Vonnegut's life, offering a chronological perspective on his development as an individual and an author.[4]
Reception
Kurt Vonnegut: Letters received positive reviews from critics and readers alike.[5] Reviewers praised the book for its candid and intimate portrayal of Vonnegut, as well as the insightful annotations by Wakefield.[6] The collection has been lauded as a valuable resource for fans of Vonnegut's work and scholars studying his contributions to American literature.[7]
Notable letters
Some of the notable letters included in the collection are:
A letter to his family describing his experiences as a prisoner of war in Germany during World War II.[8]
Correspondence with his editor discussing the challenges and successes of publishing his novels.[9]
