siri and unk flamewar in heaven
I recently read two sci-fi novels: Blindsight by Peter Watts (2007) and The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut (1970). The Watts book was an impulse buy at the bookstore; the Vonnegut book I had enjoyed reading some 30-odd years ago and picked it off my shelf upon hearing of the author’s death. I figured, age might give me different perspective since my first read. And, reading his work as hommage to a favorite author.
Since I found myself reading these two books simultaneously, I gave myself an assignment to contrast and compare the protagonists of each book, Siri and Unk. Similarities: both had mental issues; both were earth-born space travellers; both were tragic. Differences: Siri was a trained professional, Unk was an unskilled undisciplined man unaware of how he was used by others. Etc. But I cancelled this assignment, there is no need to complete it and turn it in.
Contrasting the two novels themselves, Watts’ book explores more scientific themes, and has a more serious tone. Vonnegut is funnier, and handles larger philosophic themes such as the purpose of life, what it means to be human, and religion.
I must note that Sirens of Titan bears several striking similarities to the later work Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, published nine years later. Gotta think Adams was inspired by KV, but it’s too late to ask him (he died in 2001).