Soldiers fight an interstellar war between Man and the Taurans, in clear metaphor for the Vietnam War.
What I liked
✅ subverts genre clichés (such as the heroic soldier singlehandedly winning a battle)
✅ shows the grim realities of war and the struggles of returning soldiers
✅ useful social commentary
✅ simple and short with surprising depth
✅ intriguing science fiction technology and concepts
✅ an extended allegory for Haldeman’s own Vietnam War and post-war experiences
What I didn't like
✖ rushed ending
✖ light-on character development
✖ you don't really learn much about the main character—he's a vessel by which the reader can experience the world through rather than with
✖ too much focus on sex and sexuality
Rating 4/5 🌟
Genre: sci-fi
Verdict: RECOMMENDED