God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater

By: Kurt Vonnegut

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Eliot Rosewater, a drunk volunteer fireman and president of the fabulously rich Rosewater Foundation, is about to attempt a noble experiment with human nature, with a little help from writer Kilgore Trout. The result is Kurt Vonnegut's funniest satire, an etched-in-acid portrayal of the greed, hypocrisy, and follies of the flesh we are all heir to.

As an added bonus, when you purchase our Audible Modern Vanguard production of Kurt Vonnegut's book, you'll also receive an exclusive Jim Atlas interview. This interview – where James Atlas interviews Gay Talese about the life and work of Kurt Vonnegut – begins as soon as the audiobook ends.

This production is part of our Audible Modern Vanguard line, a collection of important works from groundbreaking authors.

©1965 Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Vonnegut] at his wildest best!" ( The New York Times Book Review)

What can I say it's Vonnegut

Any additional comments?

Another brilliant book by Vonnegut, this book is hysterical and complete satire on a rich family and the people they are associated with. All of which are pretty nutty in their own way.

Vonnegut: better read than listened to

I liked this story but I think I would have enjoyed it more (especially the irony and black humor) I'd i had read it rather than listened to not here.

It's Vonnegut. Obviously brilliant.

As everything else he's written, this story is perfect. The narrator did a good job as well.

skip this one or leave it for later

not his hest. as usual weird realistic. i am saying u reach this as no. 4 at least of his wotk

Love is in the air’s

What a sweet and loving story! Wonderful characters, narration and message-highly recommended for all!

True Vonnegut classic

Beautiful social work as only Vonnegut could have written, not quite a normal plot, compassionate and socialist, really exploring America...

The root of many things modern

As I listened to this story I felt as if I had found the source of humor for a number of more modern works, eg Hitchhikers Guide. The reading performance was subtle and evocative.

Never to old for a reality check.

The stories are never more interesting as the take away of Kurt Vonnegut, perhaps that is why I have enjoyed so many of the human specimens serve under the appreciative eye of one of the great writers of the 20th century.
God Bless you, Mr Rosewater is a homage to a gentle soul, who's goodness is render from a life of obligation, conformity, great wealth and an exhaustive journey of finding ones place in life. Vonnegut observes and documents the lives that inter twine and decorate the cake of one Elliot Rosewater a product of an obtuse ruling class of wealthy Ner'do wells who's only purpose in life is to defend their inherited privilege.

No class or other aberrations of humanity are left unscathed by the authors intimate understanding of human behavior, which he so insightfully created for our own smug enjoyment. God bless Kurt Vonnegut!

Quick Funny Smart

What made the experience of listening to God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater the most enjoyable?

Excellent match of narrator to material.

What did you like best about this story?

Even "humor" books have to work hard to make me laugh more than a couple of times, and this short listen had me laughing out loud in my car more times than that with its killer combination of sharp satire; delicious dialogue; and a balanced, insightful, and absolutely entertaining narration.

Have you listened to any of Eric Michael Summerer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this is my first Eric Michael Summerer narration. Will be on the lookout for more.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No truly extreme reactions, though it did make me laugh.

Any additional comments?

Not the best-known Vonnegut story, but definitely an entertaining audio version of a lesser-known work.

Best book ever

Loved everything about this book. Vonnegut has a sense of humor that is unparalleled. I preferred this book to Slaughterhouse-Five and Breakfast of Champions - although those were great too.