THROWBACK THURSDAY: REVIEWING A REISSUE
I remember the first time I read this book, back when it first was published (or at least first available through the Science Fiction Book Club). It was the mid-1970’s and this was only the second book I ever read, cover-to-cover in one sitting. I was completely enthralled. There were so many different angles to this book: the aspects of time; human sexuality; war;….
Forty years later and I’m reading it again to prepare for one of the follow-up books (Forever Free), and it still holds a wonderful power over me.
Haldeman’s writing is crisp and sharp. He doesn’t spend a lot of time with flowery prose and instead cuts right to the matter, like an efficient soldier should!
We follow one soldier, William Mandella, as he moves up the ranks – from Private to Sergeant to Lieutenant to Major – and through the years (from 1997AD to 3143AD). He becomes a career soldier, not because of any fascination with the military or a desire to serve, but because – as a survivor of multiple campaigns – there aren’t a lot of other options for him. His family is gone, the life-style has changed and is totally unknown to him, and the only place or people who will accept him for what he is, is the military.
It’s no secret that Haldeman is writing a metaphor for his experiences in and out of Vietnam and it’s just a little bit sad that much of the book is still relevant today.
Looking for a good book? The Forever War by Joe Haldeman is a ‘classic’ and anyone interested in sci-fi in general or military sci-fi in particular should make time to read this.
* * * * * *
The Forever War
author: Joe Haldeman
series: The Forever War #1
publisher: Open Road Media Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Kindle Edition, 292 pages
Looking For a Good Book 