The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
Soldiers fight an interstellar war against an alien species, experiencing time dilation and alienation from their home planet.
Summary
The Forever War is a science fiction novel by Joe Haldeman, first published in 1974. It tells the story of a soldier named William Mandella, who is conscripted to fight in a distant interstellar war against an alien species known as the Taurans. As Mandella and his fellow soldiers fight in the war, they experience time dilation due to the effects of relativity, meaning that they age much more slowly than those on Earth. This leads to them becoming increasingly alienated from their home planet and its culture.
Interpretation
The Forever War is a commentary on the futility of war and the alienation of soldiers from their home culture. It is a powerful exploration of the psychological effects of war and the difficulty of returning to civilian life after experiencing the horrors of combat.
Who is this book for?
The Forever War is suitable for adults and older teenagers. It contains some violence and strong language.
Keywords
Science-Fiction, War, Alienation, Futility, Relativity