The Forever War

There are books that are read at the start of a literary journey and others that need time, maturity and experience before attempting.

The Forever War by Joe Haldeman is one of those that bucks the trend. I had the pleasure of reading this gem early in my sci-fi career, and then giving it another go this week.

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This is a book that transcends time and eras. A book written strictly for adults and I would hazard to say, masculine in its approach. It’s about a warrior. Or more strictly a man who has no choice, flung into a galactic conflict where his own side is as merciless as any alien species.

It’s about a man who is alienated slowly from himself, everyone and everything he knows.

It was written by Haldeman after his enlistment and action in the Vietnam war, so it strongly vibes with what you may have seen in Full Metal Jacket or Platoon.

It was written in 1974, but predicts so well what we are going through and what we are feeling now in 2026 that I’m wondering if Haldeman was actually a prophet. Visionary it certainly is.

On a second reading, I may have enjoyed it even more than the first time. It happens with books as much as it happens with movies. The second time round your mind has more time to sit and absorb the atmosphere, to rest upon the words, to savor their flavor. You are less concerned with plot and more observant of characters and world building.

As a recommendation, I give it a high rating. It’s a book about war, what it means to the participants and what it means to the world at large. It’s a warning, a reminder of how it affects society as a whole. How it affects our collective soul.

It’s well worth the time and effort you’ll have to put into it and miles better than any of the modern slop you will find on streaming services.

And that’s,

The Vikid Truth

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