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The Forever War

The Best of the SF Masterworks
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( 78 ratings, 13 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman is a science fiction novel exploring the life of William Mandella, a soldier drafted into an interstellar war against an alien species. The story delves into the challenges he faces with time dilation, which causes him to experience the world changing dramatically each time he returns from battle. It offers a poignant reflection on the nature of war, the passage of time, and the alienation of soldiers returning to a changed society.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by thought-provoking military science fiction that delves into the complexities of time dilation, the effects of war on soldiers, and the stark differences between human society and alien cultures. Its mix of action, thoughtful social commentary, and a deeply personal narrative makes it a compelling read for fans of classic and contemplative sci-fi.

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The Forever War

One of the very best must-read SF novels of all time.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Private William Mandella is a reluctant hero in an interstellar war against an unknowable and unconquerable alien enemy. But his greatest test will be when he returns home.

Relativity means that for every few months' tour of duty centuries have passed on Earth, isolating the combatants ever more from the world for whose future they are fighting. The Earth he knew is dead. The one he returns to is unrecognisable.

Winner of the Nebula, Locus and Hugo awards, The Forever War was the first title selected for the SF Masterworks series when it launched in 1999. Inspired by Haldeman's experience in the Vietnam War, it has been seen as a critical work of anti-war SF.

'This is an enraged and enraging classic that deserves a place alongside Apocalypse Now and The Deer Hunter as an expression of the pain caused by Vietnam' - Guardian

'The book is near perfect' - infinity plus

'This book is not only one of the best military science fiction books ever written, but is one of the finest works of modern American literature' - Tordotcom

Welcome to The Best Of The Masterworks: a selection of the finest in science fiction

Series: S.F. Masterworks

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman is often compared to Heinlein's work, praised for its engaging take on military science fiction. It delivers a satisfying experience with a unique perspective on the genre, making it a standout for fans of sci-fi narratives.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399607780

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 November 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gollancz

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 220g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Joe Haldeman was born in Oklahoma in 1943 and studied physics and astronomy before serving as a combat engineer in Vietnam, where he was severely wounded and won a Purple Heart. THE FOREVER WAR was his first SF novel and it won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards, a feat which THE FOREVER PEACE repeated. He is also the author of, among others, MINDBRIDGE, ALL MY SINS REMEMBERED, WORLDS APART and WORLDS ENOUGH AND TIME.

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