Slapstick by Kurt Vonnegut

"Slapstick" (published in 1976) is a novel by Kurt Vonnegut that blends satire, dark comedy, and science fiction. The story is set in a future dystopian world and follows Dr. Wilbur Daffodil-11 Swain, an eccentric and aging former President of the United States who is now living in isolation with his twin sister, who is also his wife.

The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the nature of human connection. Dr. Swain and his sister are part of a society that has disintegrated into chaos, with most of the population having succumbed to a form of mass insanity. They live in a world where people have become increasingly disconnected from one another and where the concept of "normal" is in constant flux.

The title "Slapstick" refers to a form of comedy that involves physical humor and absurd situations, which reflects the novel's tone and style. Vonnegut uses a mix of absurdity and dark humor to critique contemporary social issues, exploring how people cope with a world that seems increasingly irrational and fragmented.

The novel is known for its inventive narrative style and its satirical take on the collapse of societal norms, making it a unique and thought-provoking addition to Vonnegut's body of work.