Skip to content

Cat's Cradle

Cat's Cradle

ClassicsLiterary Fiction
Pages
231
Published
1963
Language
English

Synopsis

Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle is a darkly humorous look at humanity's capacity for self-destruction. The story follows a writer researching the life of the inventor of the atomic bomb, leading him to a bizarre island and a dangerous new form of ice. It's a satirical exploration of science, religion, and the end of the world.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

DarkFunnyPhilosophicalThought-Provoking
Chosen OneMorally GreyReluctant Hero

Genres

Classics Literary Fiction Science Fiction Satire Humor Religion

About the author

K
Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. was an American novelist who wrote works blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction, such as [Slaughterhouse-Five (1969)][1], [Cat's Cradle (1963)][2], and [Breakfast of Champions (1973)][3]. He was known for his humanist beliefs as well as being honorary president of the American Humanist Association. He is widely considered one of the most influential American writers of the 20th century. [1]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL98474W/Slaughterhouse-Five...

Characters

John (Jonah)Protagonist

The novel's narrator, a writer researching the atomic bomb's inventor who renames himself Jonah.

All characters in Cat's Cradle

Frequently asked questions

  • Is this book based on real people or events?

    The character Felix Hoenikker was inspired by Irving Langmuir, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist Vonnegut encountered while working in public relations at General Electric. Langmuir's work on weather modification and his detached attitude toward the potential misuse of scientific research directly influenced the novel's depiction of dangerous discovery.

  • Are there any film or television adaptations of this story?

    While several high-profile attempts to adapt the novel for the screen have been made, including a notable project by Noah Hawley for FX, none have successfully moved into production.

Read all 5 reviews