Book Review: Ender’s Game
I am almost hesitant to write this review at all. I fear that no matter which words I choose and how I arrange them, nothing will adequately express my feelings for this book.
Let me start at the beginning. My first exposure to this book was in the eighth grade, when I was 13. My English teacher at the time chose this to be the class’s novel study. I don’t remember much of my experience with the book then, but I do remember really enjoying it.
Now, at 21, I’ve re-read it, and while I still thoroughly enjoyed it, my reading experience was completely different, and I was able to understand and appreciate the layers of depth within in that flew right over my head the first time around.
Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card, is a work of science fiction about a young, genius boy who is hand-picked by international military forces to save all of humanity against an impending alien invasion. He is brought to a ship far from Earth, in order to be trained in battle strategy along with other child-geniuses. He is pushed to his limits, both physically and psychologically, as he is groomed for command. I like to keep my reviews spoiler-free, so I won’t say much more than that.
Published in 1985, the author does an astoundingly good job of predicting future technology, including virtual reality video games and what is described to be remarkably like a touch-screen tablet. (Remember, in 1985, computers looked like this.)
Aside from the thrilling plot, which I thoroughly enjoyed both at 13 and now, the book deals with much deeper themes like empathy and utilitarianism. I had extremely strong, visceral reactions to several moments in the book (which I will not spoil), but suffice it to say Ender’s Game easily ranks in one of my favorite books of all time.
I think sci-fi is woefully under-appreciated when it comes to the canon of great literature, but this work, to me, is one of the most brilliant written pieces I’ve come across in any genre.
I love, love, love this book, and highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of your age, gender, or aptitude for science fiction. If you’re younger, you will appreciate and enjoy the basic plot, as I did; and if you’re older, you may relish its larger thematic explorations.
I adore stories that explore the grey territory of morality, and this one certainly did. I cannot wait to watch the film adaptation, though I’m fairly certain no 2-hour film, no matter how great, can do justice to the book. x
Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card – My Rating: 5/5
