A Review of "Old Man's War"

Old Man's War was the first in a series of science fiction novels that were written by John Scalzi a couple of years ago. The novel won Hugo Award in 2006 for best novel. On a tip from a friend I picked Old Man's War and gave it a read.

The main protagonist in Old Man's War is John Perry, a 75 year old retired advertising writer living on earth in the future. He is nearing the end of his life, but he has options on whether he can prolong his life. He can either die peacefully in his old age on earth like most humans, or he can sign up for the Colonial Defense Force, which he did at aged 65, and receive a new genetically enhanced body.

As a member of the Colonial Defense Force, must go out and fight aliens that are looking to wipe out the human race. Once Perry leaves Earth he is never allowed to return due to the genetic modifications he must undergo to participate in this defense force. Yes, the book states on its jacket cover, "the universe is a hostile place."

Both John and his wife signed on to become soldiers, looking for new adventure in their old age. However, his wife dies from a stroke before the date arrives to leave for the stars. John decides to continue onward, closing his ties with his son and rest of his family on Earth. Although his wife is not with him at the onset, she still plays an important role in the novel in an interesting plot twist.

Scalzi's writing style is very easy to read, and dialogue throughout the book, for most part is excellent. Sometimes it seemed there was not much differentiation between characters, they all seemed to be the same. But, in a way, that is how the military is; most personalities, especially in the officer ranks, are similar. I am not sure if Scalzi did that on purpose, or if it is a failing in his writing in creating different character personalities.

Old Man's War is written in the first person from the eyes of John Perry, and he provides snarky commentary, interlaced with decent dry humor throughout the book. I would say that a comparison can be made to Robert Heinlein's classic Starship Troopers, but without the additional prose and detail that Heinlein threw into his novel.

In either case, if you liked Starship Troopers, the novel, not the dreadful movie, then you will probably like Old Man's War. Also, even if you are not much of a science fiction fan, you may still find some enjoyment in reading Old Man's War. It's no wonder that Scalzi has become one of the more popular science fiction authors in recent years.

No matter what the genre, good story telling comes down to creating memorable characters and a decent plot, and Old Man's War has both.