Sun Moon Star

Celebrated adult novelist Kurt Vonnegut turns to the story of the Nativity in this single children's story in his body of work, chronicling the experiences of the Creator of the Universe on the first day of its existence as a human being. Although Vonnegut never uses the names Jesus or Christ, he does use the names Joseph and Mary, and sets his story in the traditional stable, making it absolutely clear which narrative he is seeking to tell.

An extended meditation on the changing perceptions of the Creator, now that it is in human form, and must rely on the limited eyes of a newborn baby, Sun Moon Star was originally published in 1980, was out of print for many years, and then was reprinted in this new edition by Seven Stories Press in show more 2016. I am amused to see that some online reviews have criticized Ivan Chermayeff's illustrations, finding them ill-suited to Vonnegut's story, as the story was originally written by Vonnegut as a response to the artwork, which came first. Obviously, Vonnegut thought that this was just the story to pair with these visuals! Leaving that aside, I found the story itself quite thought-provoking, and really enjoyed this non-traditional take on the idea of a divine being coming into the world as a mortal one. Recommended to Kurt Vonnegut fans, and to anyone looking for a different take on the Nativity story. show less

Despite the fact that it bears Kurt Vonnegut's name, there is little point to this work. Fans of his writing will find it a disappointment. In minimal prose, it presents an idiosyncratic account of the alleged birth of the supposed infant Jesus, to the accompaniment of full-page, amateurish illustrations. Oddly, the infant is referred to throughout as "the Creator" (notwithstanding centuries of theology and historical scholarship). Many of the illustrations consist of a single color (black, blue, yellow), while others bear clumsily rendered, unicolor stars, moon, sun) on such a background.

According to the inner book-flap, graphic designer Chermayeff made the illustrations first, and gave them to Vonnegut to write a story. Given that show more the former were clearly meant for an Xmas story, the claim is less than credible.

Some theists will be attracted to the Xmas theme, but others will find this work a disappointment unworthy of bearing the author's famous name. show less

Summary: It’s just about the birth of Jesus Christ. The book is unique because it’s put into some sort of “free form” poem style. The story is accompanied by minimalistic illustrations.
Opinion: I picked up this book because I like Kurt Vonnegut, but this book is bad and boring. I guess it would be great for a Christian or Catholic kid that wants to learn more about the birth of Jesus Christ. This book is very boring.

what a disappointment. A waste of time to read, and of money to purchase. There's no sign of Vonnegut in this book, despite the claim that he wrote the prose. Fans of KV ought not waste their time with this xmas turkey.

The christmas story told in a very special way

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