Review by islander255 (2007-07-14)
This is my second favorite Vonnegut book, after "Slaughterhouse Five" (and I've read about 7 more of his works). It's an endearing story about a painter who is trying to write his memoirs, but who keeps getting distracted by Circe Berman, an odd house guest who sees things from a fresh perspective. Hers is quite a delicious character, and both funny and touching to read.

It is also about the painter's earlier life, and of how he got to the point where the story starts. We learn of his apprenticeship and other experiences.

Most important to note is this: the ending of this novel is arguably the most satisfying of all Vonnegut novels. This may have something to do with Post-Modernism, but most of Vonnegut's novels flow along quite strongly until they sort of peter out at the end. Not so with this one. Giving nothing away, the ending to this piece is warming, satisfying, and happy in a way that you rarely see in high literature. Of course, "Slaughterhouse Five" is still more imaginative and quirky and satirical, but this one sure pleases the reader!

Highly recommended!
10/10

Review by fuzzy_patters (2007-03-25)
A fictional autobiography of an abstract expressionist painter by the name of Rabo Karebekian, Bluebeard is a humorously told tale of Karabekian's search for soul in his life and art. As with most of Vonnegut's works, this novel is filled with dark, satirical humor.

Flawlessly told, I still could not bring myself to rate this book higher than a 7. Something seemed to be missing. It was enjoyable all the way through, and I completely loved every minute of it. Yet, I didn't get the sense upon completing the novel that I missed the characters or that I had gained some valuable insight into the world around me. I guess you could say that, like Karabekian's artwork, the novel was flawlessly executed but did not have enough soul.