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Mother Night

By: Kurt Vonnegut
Narrated by: Victor Bevine
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Publisher's summary

American Howard W. Campbell, Jr., a spy during World War II, is now on trial in Israel as a Nazi war criminal. But is he really guilty? In this brilliant book rife with true gallows humor, Kurt Vonnegut turns black and white into a chilling shade of grey with a verdict that will haunt us all. Mother Night is a daring challenge to our moral sense.

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.
©1966 Kurt Vonnegut (P)2008 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Vonnegut is George Orwell, Dr. Caligari and Flash Gordon compounded into one writer...a zany but moral mad scientist." ( Time)

Featured Article: 70+ Unforgettable Kurt Vonnegut Quotes


Kurt Vonnegut had an extremely productive career, penning everything from plays to short stories to full-length nonfiction. Drawing on his experiences of war, life, and love, Vonnegut’s powerful messages were delivered so creatively—and often quite satirically—ensuring that they stood the test of time. This assortment of Kurt Vonnegut quotes is just a glimpse of the gems found throughout the works of this great author.

What listeners say about Mother Night

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Slightly drier Vonnegut, but still a classic.

Vonnegut is his usual sharp self, always plumbing the depth of the duality of human nature and our concepts of good and evil. The characters are engaging and fleshed out as well as any of his other novels. Great story, easy to follow, with the focus being on the characters' individual anguish resulting from past actions and the increasingly hazy recollections of WWII. Not as humorous as his other novels like Cat's Cradle or Slaughterhouse Five (yes, even that was funnier). Still, one of the top Vonnegut books, pleasing to his his fans and any casual reader.

The narrator was good, pleasing to the ear, and nondescript. Perhaps that is good about a narrator--the he or she does not stick out beyond the material. He did a good job of jumping between voices and did not over-act any part of it.

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8 people found this helpful

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Great to find another outstanding Vonnegut book

This book is a poignant and engrossing listen, full of unexpected twists and turns throughout. Kudos to the narrator for using restraint with voices and letting the listeners reach their own judgments and conclusions about the intentions and motivations of the main characters, which are complex. The reader/listener is left with that feeling that on one is ever completely good or bad, but an ever changing mixture of both.

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  • Overall
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He said, I said

Vonnegut is always a good listen/read but the emphasis on "he said, I said" in the performance is a quite annoying.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Essential reading (or listening)

One of my favorite Vonnegut books. Heart wrenching and masterfully written. Obviously not as whimsical as some of his other works but it makes incredible points regarding human nature, war and the things that drive those involved. Scary, poignant and gripping throughout.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Forgot how good Vonnegut wrote.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, excellent read. Definitely Vonnegut's best even though probably his darkest.

What did you like best about this story?

Unlocking subconscious rationale for things people do in life.

What does Victor Bevine bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A proper emotional level.

Who was the most memorable character of Mother Night and why?

The hero.

Any additional comments?

Dark times in history, overwhelming at points.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Vonnegut at his best, read beautifully.

What more can one ask? Be careful of who you pretend to be, as we become that which we pretend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Strangely relevant anew

Kurt Vonnegut's darkest novel finds new relevance in the age of Lyin' Donald Trump. Riveting listening.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Vonnegut’s Masterpiece

Better than Slaughterhouse 5 and Cat’s Cradle. This magnificent work captures the humanity and insanity of World War 2.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Gut wrenching. Perfect book for 2020.

This book left me staring into space thinking of it long after I finished it. Add me to the list of women who are hopelessly in love with Howard W. Campbell Jr.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great! as any Vonnegut Book should be ;)

This one is more down the Slaughter-house 5 vein than the Breakfast of champions. Another WW II cathartic piece from Vonnegut. Draws you right in and spins you around till you realize where you have gone! I highly recommend this book! #Quirky #Witty #WorldWarII #Cynical #Dark #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

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