The Forever War
by Joe Haldeman
I’m excited to start the first of our monthly SF Masterworks read-alongs, The Forever War by Joe Haldeman.
What’s The Forever War about?
The Forever War by Joe Haldeman (1974) is a landmark science fiction novel that combines time dilation with a commentary on war. Set in a future where humanity is at war with the Tauran aliens, the novel follows soldier William Mandella as he endures relentless battles, the effects of time dilation, and the sweeping transformations unfolding on Earth.
The novel is influenced by Haldeman's personal experiences in Vietnam.
Even after 50 years since its publication, it remains pertinent as global conflicts persist.
It won the Nebula Award in 1975 and the Hugo and Locus Awards in 1976.
William Gibson, the acclaimed author of Neuromancer, praised it, stating: "To say that The Forever War is the best science fiction war novel ever written is to damn it with faint praise. It is, for all its techno-extrapolative brilliance, as fine and woundingly genuine a war story as any I've read."
How will we read it?
We’ll read it over three weeks:
We’ll start reading on Saturday, 4th January 2025.
On Saturday, 11th January 2025, we’ll discuss Chapters 1–15 of Private Mandella.
On Saturday, 18th January 2025, we’ll discuss Chapters 1–11 of Sergeant Mandella 2007–2024 AD.
On Saturday, 25th January 2025, we’ll discuss Chapter 1 of Lieutenant Mandella 2024–2389 AD and Chapters 1–9 of Major Mandella 2458–3143 AD.
You can read 2 to 3 chapters each day to ensure you finish on time. And feel free to chat along the way. Dedicated link for The Forever War read-along chat.
At the end of the month, I’ll share an overall review of the book, and you’ll be able to leave your thoughts in the comments.
If you'd like any changes, message me.
Happy New Year and Happy Reading!