Running Through Hugo's Back Yard 5: The Forever War

Hugo winner: The Forever War by Joe Haldeman, 1976

My view: This is a novel that seems completely undated despite its publication back in 1974; given the post-Vietnam era politics of the time it's absurdly possible to draw parallels to that was and the unending, mainly futile conflict that William Mandella and his comrades are fighting, but it seems to be more of a meditation on the futility of all wars and what they end up doing to the common soldier. Which is why it's just as relevant now (especially now, considering how long Gulf War II and the conflict in Afghanistan have gone on) as it was in '74.

Nuggety? This is going to be a bit of a quandary. But only a bit.

Yes, this novel fully qualifies as military SF. Yes, it pulls no punches about organized military violence, is full of action and also doesn't make any overt or unsubtle pacifist statements in its text. The problem is that it also doesn't glorify a single thing about war, military life or the havoc it reeks on everything from romantic relationships to the lives of the draftees who are caught up in it. So despite all the carnage and military jargon, this isn't even close to Nuggety. Not by a long shot.