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Summary: A masterpiece about the human experience of war
Review: I have read this book half a dozen times, and I still find myself drawn back to it. "The Forever War" is the journey William Mandela through a future war made all the more miserable by the time distorting affects of need speed of light travel (an interesting device used to explore the culture shock every soldier experiences upon coming home after years abroad). This masterpiece is the story of the author's own experience in Vietnam (though not in straight autobiographical sense), a war he almost didn't survive. I suggest reading this book and his recent work of fiction "1969" back to back. They are very complimentary works and both pack an emotional and psychological punch that will leave you reeling.
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Summary: 25 years old and still going strong
Review: I thought this book would be kind of bad because it was written so long ago. Science Fiction can get outdated quickly. I was wrong. THIS BOOK WAS VERY INTERESTING.
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Summary: I found it an excellent , simple ,really well-written sci-fi
Review: Everyone here says that it's a masterpiece with real depth to it etcetera , and I agree - as to this book being a masterpiece , but I think it's greatness is in it's simplisity.There's no need to inflate the exitant story inorder to make it bigger-than-life. "Forever war" is practically a perfect exemple of a simple-story , one protagonist , hard\military good science-fiction. No real depth in plot - simply a story of full racial war , when the moving of forces in relativistic speeds causes Mandala (the protagonist) to age a couple of years (objectively) while the rest of the universe , and earth , age hundreds of years every time he goes into battle. Allthough it's interesting reading about social-changes on earth , the book's strong points are in Mandala's personality you will learn inevitably to like , and the hard sci-fi side , of advanced technolegy and combat descriptions. I believe that the book is so great because of the real-life , engaging writing style of Joe. No matter how flat some of the charecters may be , when he goes into an action-scene you can't put your eyes off the line. And don't misunderstand me too - the book as a whole is'nt flat - I was just pointing out it has some flaws as great as it is. The only charecter which is'nt flat is Mandala but it does'nt effect the pleasure you'll derive from reading this EXCELLENT military sci-fi MASTERPIECE.
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Summary: Plausible science, interesting fiction
Review: I must admit that I would rather have good and interesting science over good and interesting characterisation. This book certainly delivers on the science side - a fascinating look at someone aging a few years while the Earth ages a few centuries, and the consequences thereof. I have never believed that interstellar war could be possible if Einstein's speed of light limit is never worked around, but this novel keeps this limitation and works with it in a well-thought out and fascinating way. I also enjoyed the military portrayal - unlike the so-called military in Star Trek and other science fantasy works, this book rings true, from bewildering orders from superiors to questions about order validity (especially interesting is the point where Mandella, the main character, is the CO of the base and he is warned not to leave his office because he'd probably be murdered). It reminds me of Starship Troopers (the book, not the movie, perish the thought!) in presenting what I feel is a plausible science fiction military. This review may make the book sound sterile, but rest assured there are interesting characters, compelling conflicts, and all the rest that is required to make a great book. Okay, the endin is a little too neat, but I can live with that. Recommeded.
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Summary: To pulp, or not to pulp. That is the question.
Review: It has been a long time since I've sat down and read an entire book in a single day. I woke up yesterday and decided to read the first few pages of a book a friend had recommended to me, The Forever War. Goodbye Saturday, hello William Mandella and nearly four centuries of battling the Taurans. First things first: this book is not pulp sci-fi. The science takes allowances, yes, but it is very well thought out. Tough sociological questions are asked: about war, about sex and gender, about politics... This is a very serious book. Second. The Forever War is straight pulp. You have laser battles, suited astronauts building bases on stargate planets, an underwater battle with a "shark" with massive jaws and eyestalks. Cyborgs. Clones. Taurans. Telepathic "cows". You name it. I haven't been this entertained and intellectually stimulated at the same time since Dune. Read this book.
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Summary: One of the greatest
Review: I stumbled across this book quite by accident, and must say that never have I been so pleasantly suprised. The novel provides brilliant speculation upon brilliant speculation combined with a timeless message and eloquent story-telling. I just read it for the third time, and it continues to entertain and enlighten.
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Summary: Great sci-fi/adventure book
Review: I've read "The Forever War" three or four times already, and everytime is as good or better as the previous. This book is a unique blend of science-based sci-fi and good ol' adventure novels. The character of Mandella is superbly portrayed, and the narration of the situations/environments he finds himself on as a result of the war and near-light-speed-travelling is vivid, concise and realistic. As far as sci-fi reading goes, this book is as good as it gets.
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Summary: So good! I read it twice in a row -- not kidding!
Review: This is a GREAT book. Seriously -- read it. It's amazing, considering it's old. This book KILLS Starship Troopers -- it's a wonderful book of two loves and a fantastic 1000 year war. READ IT.
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Summary: space and emotions don't mix? Think again.
Review: The forever war is, in my opinion, one of the best science fiction novels ever written. It has achieved that rare balance of action, plausible scientific model (so often forgotten) and most importantly, characters that feel and live like human beings. If perchance you should pick up a copy of the graphic novel version of this work, you will be treated to a great artistic rendition of Mandella's struggle against time and war.
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Summary: Amazing
Review: This book simply blew my mind. I couldn't put it down. I'm not usually a big sci-fi buff, but I really enjoy the good SF book now and then. I can't do justice to this book. I think it can most easily be compared to the novels Starship Troopers, and Enders Game. It shared at least a few similaraties with these books. As I said, comparing it to other books doesn't really begin to describe it. The ideas that Haldeman raises are impressive, especially considering it was written in the 70s. I reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys reading at all.
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