Best Vonnegut novel to start with for someone new to his work?

I would recommend 'Slaughterhouse - Five'. It's a great starting point as it showcases Vonnegut's unique writing style, which blends science - fiction elements with dark humor and a deep exploration of the human condition. The story of Billy Pilgrim's time - traveling experiences during World War II and after is both engaging and thought - provoking.

I think 'David Copperfield' is a wonderful starting point. It's somewhat autobiographical, so you get a sense of Dickens' own experiences and how he weaves them into his fictional world. The story follows David's life from childhood to adulthood, and there are so many interesting characters and sub - plots. It gives a comprehensive view of Dickens' storytelling skills and his ability to depict different aspects of human nature.

I'd say 'The Crying of Lot 49' is a top pick for a first - time Pynchon reader. It's like a gateway into his world. The story follows Oedipa Maas as she tries to make sense of a series of strange events and symbols. Pynchon's ability to blend the absurd with the profound is on full display here. It's also more approachable in terms of length and complexity compared to some of his other novels like 'Mason & Dixon' which can be a real challenge for new readers.

Definitely 'My Struggle: Book One'. It gives a great introduction to Knausgaard's style. It's accessible and yet very profound. You get a sense of his unique narrative voice right from the start.

'The Black Cat' could be a good starting point too. It's about a man's descent into madness, driven in part by his relationship with his pet cat. The story is easy to follow and shows Poe's ability to create a sense of unease and horror through simple yet effective storytelling. It has some really chilling moments, like when the man discovers the shape of the cat on the wall after he kills it.

For a newcomer, 'The Brothers' could be a good choice. It's relatively accessible and gives you a taste of his ability to dissect complex relationships. The story is engaging and his writing style is something that can grow on you as you read more of his work.

Definitely 'Crime and Punishment'. It has a very gripping plot. You follow the main character's journey as he grapples with his guilt and the consequences of his actions. It also gives insights into the social conditions of Russia at that time.

If you're new to classic literature, 'Barchester Towers' could be the best Trollope novel to start with. It has a relatively straightforward plot that still manages to be complex in terms of the relationships between the characters. The novel is set in a small town environment which makes it easier to picture. Trollope's detailed descriptions of the town, its people, and their affairs draw you in and make you feel like you're part of the story.

You could also start with 'Cat's Cradle'. It's a relatively short and fast - paced read. The satirical elements are really engaging, and it's a good introduction to Vonnegut's way of looking at the world. You'll be introduced to his unique brand of humor and his ability to create fictional worlds that mirror our own society in a distorted but recognizable way.

A really good starting point could be 'A Murder Is Announced'. It has a great premise where an announcement of a murder is made in the local paper and then it actually happens. It shows Christie's ability to create an air of mystery from the very beginning. There are many colorful characters and a really satisfying mystery to solve.