If everything becomes automated what else is there to do? Vonnegut’s first novel ponders a world where wartime efficiency has led to the automation of the entire economy such that only engineers and a few others in leadership positions become necessary while work is made up for the rest.
This novel follows Paul Proteus, son of one of the heroes of automation, who manages an automated production plant in Illium, New York while vying for a similar role in Pittsburgh. While he experiences depressive episodes, the return of his old friend Ed Finnerty from DC catalyzes a change in Paul’s view of their automated world. Ed leads Paul on some drinking expeditions on the other side of the river where his interactions with the people left behind from automation solidify his view that automation has prevented most people from finding meaningful work. This pulls Paul into a complicated deal of being asked by the higher-ups to infiltrate the resistance while he’s on the fence about his own career.
This novel reads like a first novel where the author has a lot to say and it often gets in the way. There isn’t the creative diversion found in “Slaughterhouse Five” or “Cat’s Cradle” or the sentimental humor of “Bluebeard” but there are many somewhat preachy monologues from Paul likely reflecting the author’s view of the increasing automation seen after WWII. For that it’s more of an interesting dystopian novel than a totally great one (still better than Fahrenheit 451). Perhaps there is some meaning to be found in inefficient work done by real humans (see his envelope story) at the expense of pure economic productivity. Player Piano is a sadly pertinent, if imperfect novel.
Leave a Reply