In this special crossover episode, Jennifer and Dan from Banned Camp team up with Joe and Allison from Queer Cinema Catch-Up to compare the Slaughterhouse-Five novel with its 1972 film adaptation. Is this a faithful adaptation? Does the nonlinear storytelling work on screen? Why did they cut a major character? And what does it all mean?

Along the way, they explore Kurt Vonnegut’s legendary letter on book censorship, dive into the philosophy of time travel and PTSD, and break down what makes Slaughterhouse-Five so timelessly relevant.

Plus, a look ahead at Season 8 of Banned Camp—George Orwell’s 1984, premiering Tuesday, February 11th!

Things to Listen For:

• How the movie captures—or fails to capture—Vonnegut’s unique storytelling.
• Does the sci-fi element of Tralfamadore work better in the book or film?
• What changed between the book and movie, and what stayed the same?
• Vonnegut’s “So It Goes” philosophy—wise insight or passive nihilism?
• The real-life historical horror behind the firebombing of Dresden.
• Why Vonnegut’s letter on book censorship is still painfully relevant today.
• The parallels between Slaughterhouse-Five and modern political discourse.

Banworthy to Bingeworthy:

Queer Cinema Catch-Up – Hosted by Allison Theveny and Joe Murphy, this podcast explores film through a queer lens, analyzing classics and cult favorites with insightful and often hilarious commentary. If you love thoughtful discussions on film, check them out!

Listen here: Queer Cinema Catch-Up on Apple Podcasts

Good News For Lefties (and America!) – Hosted by Beowulf Rochlen, this daily podcast delivers positive news stories from a progressive perspective—because we all need a break from doomscrolling.

Listen here: Good News For Lefties

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Love Banned Camp? Help other Scary Book People find us! Rate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts here: Banned Camp on Apple Podcasts

Disclaimer:

Banned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment under fair use guidelines. All rights remain with the original copyright holders. We encourage listeners to support authors by purchasing their books.

This podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kurt Vonnegut’s estate or the publishers of Slaughterhouse-Five.

Topics Covered:

Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut, book bans, censorship, Tralfamadorians, firebombing of Dresden, time travel, PTSD, George Orwell, 1984, sci-fi in literature, war trauma, adaptation vs. source material, Vonnegut’s letter on censorship.

Thanks for listening—and remember… So it goes.