Happy Birthday, Wanda June
Happy Birthday, Wanda June
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1971
Book Brief
Beta224
Play • Fiction
New York City • 1960s
1971
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Happy Birthday, Wanda June by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a play exploring themes of war, masculinity, and the human condition. The plot centers on Harold Ryan, a presumed-dead war hero, who returns home to find his family and society have changed. The story unfolds through a blend of dark humor and satirical critique.
Humorous
Dark
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
4,615 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Happy Birthday, Wanda June by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is celebrated for its wit and satirical edge, deftly critiquing themes of war and masculinity. Though some find its humor dark and narrative pacing uneven, the play captures Vonnegut's signature blend of absurdity and morality, attracting fans of provocative, thought-provoking drama.
Who Should Read Happy Birthday, Wanda June?
A reader who enjoys satirical plays with dark humor, social critique, and existential themes would appreciate Happy Birthday, Wanda June by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Fans of Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five or Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead will find its absurdity and critique of war and masculinity engaging.
4,615 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
224
Play • Fiction
New York City • 1960s
1971
Adult
18+ years
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