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The Forever War

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The Forever War

Written by: Joe Haldeman
Narrated by: George Wilson
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About this listen

 When it was first published over 20 years ago, Joe Haldeman's novel won the Hugo and Nebula awards and was chosen Best Novel in several countries. Today, it is hailed a classic of science fiction that foreshadowed many of the futuristic themes of the 1990s: bionics, sensory manipulation, and time distortion.

William Mandella is a soldier in Earth's elite brigade. As the war against the Taurans sends him from galaxy to galaxy, he learns to use protective body shells and sophisticated weapons. He adapts to the cultures and terrains of distant outposts. But with each month in space, years are passing on Earth. Where will he call home when (and if) the Forever War ends?

Narrator George Wilson's performance conveys all the imaginative technology and human drama of The Forever War. Set against a backdrop of vivid battle scenes, this absorbing work asks provocative questions about the very nature of war.

©1974 Joe W. Haldeman (P)1999 Recorded Books Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction War Interstellar

What the critics say

  • Hugo Award, Best Novel, 1976
  • Nebula Award, Best Novel, 1975
"A vastly entertaining trip." ( The New York Times)
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This story was amazing but I felt like things could have been a little more flushed out.

Great story. over too soon!

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story isn't mind-blowingly complicated but is well written and quite satisfying. Everytime the pacing started to feel slow there was a time skip -- we'll placed.

very well written

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Read wonderfully. Incredible story. I sometimes doubt why certain books arrive in the upper echelon of lists of the greatest science fiction books of all time. I did not wonder after finishing Forever War.

Perfect, classic SciFi

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Great story for any sci-fi fan. Started off feeling like starship troopers but turned into something more exhilarating. Would highly recommend.

Absolutely Fantastic.

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for it's time, the perspective on homosexuality and gender was revolutionary. I read it originally 20 years ago and it gave me hope. now, reading it, the mild homophobia and sexism stand out more. I wonder if it was specific, to does to the "everyman" so they'd be more receptive to the theme. or just a product of the author's bias. still enjoyable sci fi reminiscent of Ellison, & Heinlein

a classic that manages to age mostly gracefully

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I always love this book. good for sci-fi fans, leaves you some to think about.

I don't know how many times I've read it.

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The Forever War brought a new sensibility to military SF that has been so influential that it seems quite run of the mill now. Informed by Haldeman's service in Vietnam it looks at what service in a war without clear purpose feels like for those fighting it. It also looks at what it does to a society and how time away from home results in returning service members feeling alienated. Time dilation is used to make those changes really pronounced as society moves on without the service members who can never fit in when they return. Some comments criticize the discussion of homosexuality and portrayal of gay characters but it was very progressive when it was written. It's still very matter of fact and doesn't vilify. It clearly shows its the characters attitudes about the sexuality of others that is the problem, not the sexuality. But that is hardly a main theme anyway and anyone who focuses on that is obtuse. I only mention it because it come up in other reviews.

The reading is fine. It's clear and well-paced, though it does lack some pizazz. I've read the book many times and this was a new way to experience a favourite novel from a favourite writer.i am well satisfied.

Groundbreaking to the point of seeming unoroginal

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I've moved off my 3 body's and Warhammers and am listening to older science fiction. This is right in the Vietnam War era, and isn't as Grim as it could be. It is a story that crosses generations and worth a credit.

Timrless

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It's overly cynical, or maybe more accurately cynical in the wrong ways, to me. I liked Starship Troopers better

Not as good as Starship Troopers

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Fantastic book whose criticisms of society still hold relevance. Hilarious and grim. Excellent narration.

Classic. Still Holds Up.

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