Reading other reviews of this book I see a lot of talk both positive and negative about Vonnegut's intentions. Is the purpose anti-capitalist, does the moral triumph socialism with a punchline, is Vonnegut as ambitious in scope and style as preceding works?

I don't care. This isn't Slaughter House Five so why should I compare it? What I want to know is can it stand on its own, are the characters honest, will it make me feel something (anything)?

Yes.

I don't care about Eliot Rosewater's political views or how he spends his wealth. What keeps me engaged are the honest hard moments between him and the people in his life that are supposed to be those closest and most loved while still being the furthest away. Regardless of social issues Vonnegut succeeds in accurately capturing the scope of bitterness and strain that come at when a relationship has continued well past the point of giving up. This book absolutely breaks my heart, I get misty eyed every time I read it and reach the part where he says, "Hippity hop."

Vonnegut in telling the story illustrates he knows a thing or two about dysfunction, about wanting to give up but not having that kind of strength, he knows that a good man can be torn apart from doing good because others are incapable of small acts. If anything the idea of selflessness in this story is so much more simple and complex than socialism alone could ever be.

From this book I take away not a sense of preachy wealth redistribution but rather an introspection inspired by the writing of the main character on a bathroom stall, "If your are to be unloved and forgotten, be reasonable."