Description:

Available to readers for the first time, Sucker’s Portfolio showcases a collection of seven never before published works from Kurt Vonnegut, one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. Short, sardonic, and dark, these six brief fiction stories and one non-fiction piece are consummate Vonnegut with piercing satire and an eye for life’s obscene inanity. Also available for the first time is an unfinished science-fiction short story, included in the appendix. These stories trace trivial human lives and mundane desires, which is precisely where Vonnegut’s inimitable perspective as a humanist shines, illuminating his alternating hopeful and dismal outlook, although undoubtedly focusing on the latter. Here as in his greatest novels, Vonnegut’s writing takes us to the darkest corners of the human soul and with wit and humor, manages to remind us of our potential to be something greater. Episode List This book was initially released in episodes as a Kindle Serial. All episodes are now available for immediate download as a complete book. Learn more about Kindle Serials Episode 1: Released on November 20, 2012. 25 pages. A young artist, grieving for his recently deceased wife, becomes obsessed with traveling back in time in an attempt to regain the love of his life and the happiness they once shared. Episode 2: Released on November 27, 2012. 20 pages. A small town amateur theater group casts a naïve young woman in a role that will transform her performance and her life. Episode 3: Released on December 4, 2012. 10 pages. A delicate and devastating story of innocence and love at the crossroads of adolescence and maturity. Episode 4: Released on December 11, 2012. 18 pages. A young man begins to squander his life savings as his investment manager attempts to ward off disaster – both in the man’s finances and in his life. Episode 5: Released on December 18, 2012. 13 pages. Two men find their lives entangled by the capriciousness of the beauty of women. For one, possible redemption; for the other, destitution. Episode 6: Released on December 24, 2012. 20 pages. Three couples from very different stages of life find themselves in the same train car from London to Paris and although the couples lead strikingly distinct lives, they share a common bond: marriage. Which marriage will survive three days in the City of Light? Episode 7: Released on December 31, 2012 (Final Episode). 48 pages. In a non-fiction essay, Vonnegut touches on a range of topics as he ponders life from a lonely cottage on Long Island, New York. Also included in the appendix is an unfinished science-fiction short story.