BotM: "The Forever War" by Joe Haldeman

[Richard]

Since this classic was first published in 1974, there have been at least 35 editions. Used copies go for under $2 on the major on-line used resellers, and your local used bookstore also probably has a copy or two.

The book echos Haldeman's Vietnam experience, in which he was wounded and awarded a Purple Heart. And it is considered a classic of the genre, so if you haven't already read it, it's time (and if you have read it, as I have, then it's probably time to re-read it anyway).

And no excuses: it's probably also at a library near you.

[Larry]

Read this latet year, very good!

[Graham]

This has been one of my 'must get round to' sci-fi classics for years. I finally read it last year and it blew me away. The science is excellent and the hero's story is poignant.

I did actually find this at my locally library - which has a pathetically small sci-fi collection - so there's hope for everybody. Astonishingly, it's not available as an ebook!

[Larry]

Took the author quite a while to find a publisher, noone would take it at first!

[Chris]

I read this just a couple of months ago and was very impressed with it. I really enjoy good military sci-fi but when they can additionally make it realistic it's a huge plus.

[Scott]

This is a great book. I recall reading somewhere that Haldeman wrote it as a response to Starship Troopers but haven't been able to verify that. Has anyone read the same?

[Philip]

Scott D. wrote: "This is a great book. I recall reading somewhere that Haldeman wrote it as a response to Starship Troopers but haven't been able to verify that. Has anyone read the same?"

I listened to it from Audible some months ago, really liked it. I heard it lumped together with Starship Troopers and Armor, but they are definitely 3 distinct books all with their own individual merits. They were briefly discussed on SFF Audio Podcast #44.

[Tamahome]

Forever War is excellent. Scalzi's Old Man's War is a good followup too.

[Scott]

Philip,

Yeah, Jesse has read Armor, but I haven't read that one. How did you like that one compared to the other two? I'm pretty sure Professor Rabkin mentioned Ender's Game in that discussion as well, and Jesse mention Old Man's War. I have read both of those.

It's interesting that Orson Scott Card insists that he has never read Starship Troopers. He didn't read it before writing EG, then avoided it after because so many made comparisons.

That podcast is my favorite of all the ones we've done so far. Here's a link for those interested.

[Philip]

Scott D.-

Armor was outstanding. At first glance I thought it was going to be a rip-off of Starship Troopers, but was pleased to see how different it was. The Forever War was very good, but the other two are in a whole different league to me. They have great characters, which I love the most about them. Those 2 books stirred my emotions, that scores big points for me in a story. Armor also has a nice twist to it, it's a pretty new addition on Audible. I have a hunch you'll really like it.


I agree re: SFF #44, that's an excellent show. Professor Rabkin's insight is a skill that can really help to enjoy a story more. I'm going to re-listen to it since I've recently gone through the first 5 books of the Ender saga after hearing you rave about Ender's Game so much- they're terrific!
That's strange that Card hasn't read Starship Troopers, he's missing out on a great book. Ender's Game is indeed comparable, but quite distinct in my opinion.

[David]

Perhaps, the atmosphere of the film version of Starship Troopers is closer to that of Forever War than the book version was.

This was the 2nd or 3rd time I read Forever War. While I still felt it was good, it didn't leave as big an impression as it did on previous reading(s). Perhaps, it's because other authors have been standing on Haldeman's shoulders in the decades since Forever War came out - so Haldeman doesn't stand out in contrast as much today as he did previously.

Certainly, it's quite a portrayal of a society and a war evolving over the centuries. It shows the process that consumes Earth's society and takes it through 1000+ years of a war founded on false pretenses - and does it without ever including a military or government leader as a villainous character. Thus, Haldeman manages to avoid presenting the cause as being particular individuals. Good guys vs. bad guys is relatively easy to write and certainly easy to find consumers for, but Haldeman didn't go for easy.

When I came to Goodreads, I found this discussion had been going on for a while, but I had not been receiving e-mails notifying me the thread was active. Are others having this problem?

David Brandt

[Philip]

David-

Try going to "my account" then go to the notifications tab and check your settings. Hope that helps...

[Ron]

A fun read. I can see why it won so many awards in the 70s, but now it's kind of quaint.

Glad to see Haldeman took time dilation seriously, which most SF authors ignore.

One of the few things I check before reading a book is it' date of publication. (I never read the blurbs.) Knowing this book was published so long ago prepares me for the many technical errors. Haldeman himself suggested in 2008 that it's best read as a kind of alternate history.

[Liz]

i really really enjoyed this book. i stayed up all night to finish it.

the training and war scenes are very descriptive and also the anticipation and waiting around that you don't really think of in a war effort (although in the movie "Jarhead" that was pretty much the theme). i liked the time dilation not only playing a part in individual's lives, but also in the war effort. i also enjoyed the ending very much - peace between the taurans and humans and Mandella and Marygay reuniting.

i immediately read "forever peace" after i was done with "forever war." also an excellent book. i will probably read all haldeman's books now because that's how i roll!

[Liz]

...from this discussion i should also probably read starship troopers.

oh! and i read some rumors that ridley scott is planning on making "forever war" into a movie sometime in the next couple years. looking forward to it!!!!