Bagombo Snuff Box : Uncollected Short Fiction

Rating:
Summary: Transparent
Review: I'm a rather big Vonnegut fan. I've read most of his books and think them to be, on the whole, fantastic. However, Bagombo Snuff Box is Vonnegut at his worst. He makes no bones about admitting the impetus for writing the stories contained in the book: they were written long ago, before he realized his full potential and power as a writer, to sustain his family. These short stories highlight Vonnegut's worst characteristics as a writer in that they are a bit too preachy and a bit short on substance. I'd recommend you buy this book if you're a Vonnegut fanatic interested in the rise of a writer from mediocre pessimist (what he is through most of this book) to legendary cynic.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: If you're a fan of Welcome to the Monkey House, you'll be very disappointed in this collection of Vonnegut's short stories. It contains none of the warmth, humor, or poignant moments you would expect from a writer of his skill. It's as if you were reading the rejects from his wastepaper basket.

Rating:
Summary: Coming to a Close
Review: In the introduction to this collection, Vonnegut says, "there is no greatness in this or my other collection, nor was there meant to be." His admirable humility speaks more truth than perhaps ardent fans would like to admit--these stories, besides being dated (a forgivable offense, surely) present nothing his other, greater work has not already delivered. Timequake served as a fantastic close to a fabulous career, these stories function more as an appendix than a finale.

Rating:
Summary: Coming to a Close
Review: In the introduction to this collection, Vonnegut says, "there is no greatness in this or my other collection, nor was there meant to be." His admirable humility speaks more truth than perhaps ardent fans would like to admit--these stories, besides being dated (a forgivable offense, surely) present nothing his other, greater work has not already delivered. Timequake served as a fantastic close to a fabulous career, these stories function more as an appendix than a finale.

Rating:
Summary: Not genius, the making of one
Review: Kurt Vonnegut fans will want to read this, but... if you're new to the man, start elsewhere. Diehard Vonneguttians will enjoy this collection as it contains some worthwhile stories, but, mostly, it shows how his trademark caustically witty style developed. These stories aren't great in themselves, but they point the way. Certainly his literary merit based on his novels alone is beyond question - one of the 20th century's greatest and most important authors, Vonnegut helped shape the way many people, including myself, think. However, these stories are not great in themselves, certainly not compared to the high standard Vonnegut has since set for himself. Still, fans will want to read this book, as it contains some interesting stories, lays the foundation for his later masterpieces, and, indeed, completes their collection. New readers should start elsewhere.

Rating:
Summary: Best short story compilation I've read
Review: Not let down at all - finished in two days! Not a loser story in the batch.

Rating:
Summary: Early Vonnegut shows promise
Review: Not what I was expecting having read all of his previous work. You could tell this was Vonnegut but with out the flair and maturity of Welcome to the Monkey House or Breakfast of Champions. Some were a joy to read.

Rating:
Summary: this IS vonnegut, no doubt, no diggity!
Review: once again, one of our century's pre-eminent authors (believe the hype!) regales us with warm, witty & wonderful tales, all at once biting & inviting! These early works of a master are so engaging, not only for the voyeuristic thrill of reading a great author find his true voice, but for the simple tenderness & tremendous intelligence found therein. read & enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: God Bless You, Mr. Reed
Review: Peter Reed's resurrection of these stories is a gem. For someone who discovered KV as a high school kid 25 years ago, this book was a real treat. Brought back the fascinating look into the mind of an American prototype. The introduction is a precious bit of Vonnegut on the golden age of reading and magazine entertainment. These are the extra stories I thirsted for when I finished "Monkeyhouse" years ago. I loved it.

Rating:
Summary: A welcome addition to the Vonnegut canon
Review: Since most of the stories in "Bagombo Snuff Box" were previously uncollected in book form, the arrival of this collection is a treat for all Vonnegut fans. As a writer of "slick fiction" for the magazine market of the 1950's and early 1960's, Vonnegut tailored his stories for a general readership; while the experimentalism of novels like "Slaughterhouse-Five" and "Breakfast of Champions" is nowhere on display, Vonnegut's craftsmanship is well-documented by these stories. "Bagombo Snuff Box" should be treated much like The Beatles Anthology collections; neither is for the casual fan, but both are indispensable for completists. The stories included in this collection are a cut below the stories in "Welcome To the Monkey House" (it's easy to see why they were left out of Vonnegut's first collection), but each is an enjoyable read, with several stories ("Thanosphere", "Custom-Made Bride" and "Souvenir") standing out for their voice and originality. This is also required reading for any serious students of Vonnegut, as many of the themes explored in his major works are given an early run-through in these stories. "2BRO2B" reads almost like a first draft of "Welcome to the Monkey House" and "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow" from the Monkey House collection. The stories are also interesting as snapshots from a by-gone era, particularly in their treatment of women. One of the strongest characters in the collection is Sheila White, of "Lovers Anonymous," a talented, ambitious woman whose sublimated talents places a strain on her marriage. While the impact of the story is lessened by a careless final sentence, Vonnegut should be credited for sneaking a potentially subversive theme into a mainstream publication. A reader's reaction to "Bagombo Snuff Box" will probably mirror his or her expectations. Anyone expecting cutting-edge Vonnegut will be disappointed. Fans who like to read everything a favorite author has written will be thrilled to add this to the collection. Since I put myself into the latter category, the arrival of "Bagombo Snuff Box" is like a Christmas present in July. Thoroughly unexpected, and completely enjoyable.