Jailbird (novel)
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Cover of first edition (hardcover) | |
| Author | Kurt Vonnegut |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Novel |
| Publisher | Delacorte Press |
Publication date | 1979 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardcover and paperback) |
| Pages | 268 |
| ISBN | 0-385-28627-9 |
| OCLC | 233790605 |
Jailbird is a novel by American author Kurt Vonnegut, published in 1979 by Delacorte Press.[1] The novel is often described as Vonnegut's "Watergate novel," as it explores themes related to the Watergate scandal, the American labor movement, and the political landscape of the United States during the mid-20th century.[2]
The novel is narrated by Walter F. Starbuck, a minor player in the Watergate Scandal, who has just been released from a minimum-security prison in Georgia. The story unfolds as a memoir, with Starbuck recounting his experiences immediately following his release from prison. The narrative delves into his past, his involvement in the scandal, and his reflections on the American labor movement, corporate America, and the socio-political events of the time.[3]
Throughout Jailbird, Vonnegut uses the character of Starbuck to explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of American history. The novel is notable for its satirical tone and its critique of the American political and economic systems.