The Forever War

By: Joe Haldeman

Narrated by: George Wilson

Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Critic reviews

• Hugo Award, Best Novel, 1976
• Nebula Award, Best Novel, 1975

"A vastly entertaining trip." ( The New York Times)

Fantastic!

Even if you have a passing interest in sci-fi or science, PLEASE read this book! The approach to traveling and battling in the vastness of space is refreshing in its plausability, even though the story was written decades ago. It's a refreshing approach to a genre that can often wear out tropes. Great characters and pace! A must have in any sci-fi fans library.

Excellent story.

It was a very good book the narator was excellent very good voice. A must listen.

Was just OK for me.

Would you try another book from Joe Haldeman and/or George Wilson?

Probably not.

Would you be willing to try another book from Joe Haldeman? Why or why not?

Probably not.

What about George Wilson’s performance did you like?

It was OK.

Do you think The Forever War needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

not really.

Any additional comments?

I got this because it is considered a classic. I thought it was just OK. Not great - not terrible. I wanted it to be better - but it just wasn't.

Great

Started out a bit slow, but well worth finishing. Had quite a few elements similar to Ender's Game.

classic sci fi

a perfect classic sci find novel the gives the high tech you imagine along with a social thought experience to go with it. more Hollywood screen writers should read books like this. it might improve the quality of TV shows and movies we get

A little campy but entertaining nonetheless.

Fantastic performance by George Wilson. Some of the 1970's terminology is a little dated, but that's to be expected and is no fault of author Joe Haldeman. In fact with the concept of the book it kind of plays into Mandela's fish out of water experience.

Speaking of concept, very original and entertaining. just a great story.

Antiquated take on futuristic Sci-fi.

This book has some antiquated ideas about what the future holds for humanity in a millennia spanning space war. For everything the writer got wrong, there was more than enough forward thinking to make this book thouroughly thought provoking.

Pioneer in Story

Explore this intellectual text and learn about the implications of FTL subjective and objective travel!

Eh, OK.

The story was OK. I was never able to fully imagine a terren or some other parts of the book which left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

I did like the way it ended though.

Classic Sci-Fi Still a Fun Read

The story of Humanity swept up in a stupid war that last many generations is a fun read, that is still timely. Some of the internal dialogue of the white-hetro-male-centric main character William, is dated, but the story holds up well.