Slaughterhouse-Five is a novel by Kurt Vonnegut, published in 1969. It is a semi-autobiographical work that tells the story of Billy Pilgrim, a soldier who becomes "unstuck in time" and experiences the events of his life out of sequence. The novel is set during World War II and its aftermath, and it follows Billy's experiences as a prisoner of war and his eventual return home.
Slaughterhouse-Five is known for its unconventional structure and its use of science fiction elements to explore deeper themes of war, death, and the human condition. It is a anti-war novel that critiques the human cost of conflict and the psychological effects of trauma. The novel is also a meditation on the nature of time and the human experience, and it explores the idea that individuals have little control over the events of their lives. Despite its heavy themes, the novel is also known for its dark humor and its ability to find hope and meaning in even the most difficult circumstances.