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The Forever War cover art

The Forever War

By: Joe Haldeman
Narrated by: George Wilson
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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

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

What listeners say about The Forever War

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

it's a gay old romp across the universe

i do love a happy ending. my only complaint is the somewhat overbearing focus on sexuality that crops up more often than its really needed. the themes are ALMOST progressive, but it still seems to matter over 1000 years in the future what your sexual preferance is. still abloody good story that really uses the time dilation of space travel to push the story forward in 3 neat acts.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story. Average narrator

I loved the story from the first to the last page. The narrator, however, could have made a little more of an effort in differentiating the various characters

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love the narrators gay voice

Who doesn’t love time travelling gays fighting aliens?
One of my favs. Highly recommended!

Glad 2007 didn’t turn out like how it is in the book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

So last century but the themes never age

Written in a different time but themes of pointless war, over population and gender are with us as ever, maybe some of the views are anachronistic as ours will no doubt be one day.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Original, super funny and clever.

This is one of the best audio books I have ever consumed. Unexpectedly funny and superbly delivered. Although nearly fifty years old the story has not aged or seems outdated. It is strangely relatable.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Amazing for its time, a bit too obsessed with homosexuality

Performance was great!

Story wise Being the original sci-fi I can see so many tropes that are common today but we’re super impressive at the time. Almost cliche but interesting to see where so many came from. He paints such an interesting picture. Author seems to be grappling a lot with homosexuality. Interesting take, maybe a bit too focused on, feels like he was working through some things.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

magnificen

A slow and lovely sci fi. very much enjoyed it. Recommended read from me .

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good narrator, meh story.

It's a fun enough book but a little light on the detail and overall plot. It felt like it was in a rush to get to its mediocre ending.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic storey, well read.

I think this ius a great story and now thanks to this audio book I've experienced it again, with out have to fund the time to read it.

If you're into SciFi and you've not read this before it's a must.

If you have read it before, go on enjoy it again!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Incredible

I started off by reading half of the graphic novel while visiting my brother, and then just couldn't stop thinking about the story, it's one of those books that gets its claws into you and won't let go, I equally couldn't wait to read/listen to more but also didn't want it to end.

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