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)

dull and dated

Really dated story and yes, it's military science fiction, but so old school it's almost silly at this point. Kind of like watching really old episodes of Star Trek. The writing is only mediocre and the main character isn't particularly well developed. If you're looking for old school read almost anything by Heinlein, or these days read James S.A. Corey.

Awesome

This is such a great book, you should read it. I’m sad I finished it so quick.

A passable Starship Troopers impersonation

This has Starship Troopers written all over it, but it's different enough to make it its own thing. The use of time dilation is a neat gimmick, and seeing the world evolve from the characters POV is actually quite interesting. The characters are likable enough, the story works, except maybe the ending which I found rather anti-climactic. Overall a decent book and a good performance.

Engaging From Beginning to End

I don't like space war books but this was so well done, and I can see why it was ground breaking. It is also a love story and has a lot of important messages on culture, society, and humanity.

One of my favorite books

This book really brings home the futility of war. And how the bonds of friendship can withstand the test of time.

Lacking and Outdated

Didn’t impress me. Cool time dilation concept, but otherwise the plot is meandering and lacking depth. Only worth listening to for its historical value in sci-fi literature.

great book

love the story. I really liked the way time dilation was handled as well as the culture shock after being reinserted into a culture after being absent for a long time.

the only thing I didn't care for was the effeminate voices for the gay men. just because a person is gay doesn't mean they have an effeminate voice and speech pattern. gay men don't become women.

Decent Story, Worst Possible Narrator

Narrator sounds like the guy from NPR and hearing that voice narrating as a grunt is really distracting.

An Old Favorite

I first read this book in 9th grade, checked out from the public library. It was my first step into a brauder Sci Fi pallet. This was also the book that taught me to greatly dislike checed out books. (they have to be returned) Over the years I have searched for it to re-read and been unable to find it. What a joy it was to enjoy it in audiobook format. It may be just a little bit dated, but as a person who came into her own in the 1990's it was fun to read this alternate "future"

A good read

What did you love best about The Forever War?

Time travel has always been a fascination of mine.

Who was your favorite character and why?

William Mandella of course

What about George Wilson’s performance did you like?

He did a very good job not being mono toned, kept it interesting

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It could have been, you really didn't need a break.

Any additional comments?

Very good SiFi.