Palm Sunday is a 1981 collection of short stories, speeches, essays, letters, and other previously unpublished works by Kurt Vonnegut.[1] The collection provides insight into Vonnegut's thoughts on various subjects, including writing, war, and his own literary career. The book is known for its eclectic mix of genres and personal reflections.
Overview
Palm Sunday is a self-described "autobiographical collage" that showcases Vonnegut's versatility as a writer. It contains a mix of fiction and non-fiction, including short stories, speeches, essays, letters, and a sermon. The collection is notable for its exploration of themes such as free thought, war, and the role of the writer in society. Vonnegut also reflects on his own works and grades them based on his personal assessment.
Contents
The collection includes the following pieces, written by Vonnegut unless otherwise noted:
"Dear Mr. McCarthy" (letter)
"Un-American Nonsense" (essay)
"God's Law" (speech)
"Dear Felix" (letter)
"An Account of the Ancestry of Kurt Vonnegut, Jr, by an Ancient Friend of His Family" (formal essay by John G. Raunch)
In Chapter 18, titled "The Sexual Revolution," Vonnegut grades his own works, emphasizing that the grades are a personal comparison rather than a placement in literary history. The grades are as follows:
Palm Sunday was well-received for its candid and varied content, offering readers a unique insight into Vonnegut's mind and his views on literature, society, and his personal experiences. The collection has been praised for its humor, wit, and the seamless blending of different literary forms.[2]
