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December 27, 2004
Reviews (books) Old Man’s War
The best Science fiction writers consistently write about believable human societies springing up from unbelievable roots. In this way, Sci-fi is the tool by which humanity can be examined in a variety of counter-factual conditions. It isn’t just about killing bug-eyed monsters-- it’s about why. I can’t claim John Scalzi is a great Sci-fi writer; he has simply not developed the body of work necessary to prove the point “consistent”. But his book Old Man’s War is certainly good Sci-fi in any meaningful sense...
Let’s ignore the laws of physics-- Mr. Scalzi does. They aren’t important in this book. Of course one inch tall humanoids couldn’t be conscious. But who cares? What is of actual import is how the main character interacts with them. Drill sergeant strait out of central casting? Why not? As long as we can conceive of and believe that drill sergeant. Mr. Scalzi can get away with thrusting cliché’s into his stories because they are not the point of the story, merely backdrops against which the larger themes are allowed to develop...
Those theme develop from page one, damned near word one: the need for family. Time and again, we see the main character pulled away from his family, and pushed into situations where he is left rudderless and alone. And time and again, we see him reach out to those around him, finding love and companionship...
It would do Humanity no irreparable harm if, in 500 years, this book is utterly forgotten. After all, we have only a bare few of the plays of Aeschylus. My own life, however, would be the poorer had I not the opportunity to read this book...
Rating: 4.5 bug eyed aliens out of 5.0 bug eyed aliens. I’ve read better from Heinlein, but I’ve read worse from him as well. Just go buy a copy already!
Posted by Andrew at December 27, 2004 02:21 PM
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