It has been a bit since I first read this book, and even though I have revisited it since, I thought I would look to science fiction for today's review in honour of Star Wars Day!
Fantasy is easier to grab my fancy than science fiction. A science fiction book has to be really, really good for me to like it.
Ender's Game was actually only the second book classified as sci-fi that I admit to loving.
My husband made fun of me for never having read this classic years ago, so while we were camping, I spent an afternoon sitting in collapsible chair, pouring through this story of a boy who was not ever really supposed to exist, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin. I finished it that same evening, leaning in close to read by the light of the campfire.
And I had to admit that yes, I liked it.
Still with me? Okay.
Ender has two older siblings, both incredibly talented. There is Peter, but he was considered too violent, and then Violet, who is not violent enough. But both children are gifted; they are almost perfect, in the eyes of the government and military. So their parents are permitted to have a "third", and "Ender" comes along.
Ender is taken from his home and raised in increasingly challenging conditions in an effort to make him the perfect military leader. He takes part in demanding contests, that would be seen as cruel, considering his age, had not this seemed the norm. The world has been doing battle with the alien race of the Buggers for a hundred years, and children have been raised in this matter for almost as long.
The reason that this book is so fascinating to me is for the simple reason that Ender, and all of the other children in this book, are just that - children.
Intelligent children, sure. Talented, military-minded children, definitely.
But still children.
I love the questions that this book raised, which were somewhat surprising, about the role of war, and peace, what we fight for and how and why. It was much more philosophical and political than I was expecting, which was greatly appreciated. Yet it was also quick-paced and action-packed, which made it move so quickly.
Are there problems with this book? Definitely. While there is character developments, they are not full and rich, as some others are, even, yes, within this genre. And then there is the very real, serious problem of the lack of women and girls in the book, and even some comments made in dialogue and the plot, which reveal Orson Scott Card's less-than-stellar ideals.
It's not perfect, but it is interesting. And, considering the author and the time in which it was written, the book itself actually leans more on the side of understanding and pacifism and even empathy, than you would expect.
This is a YA novel, or appropriate for particularly strong younger readers. Again, it is not a perfect book, but if you love sci fi, or even if, like me, you don't, I do recommend this book.
As one last note: I did see the movie, and thought they did a fine job, but, as with most stories, the book was better.
Now, go celebrate Star Wars Day! Perhaps make some Degobah stew, watch the movies, dress in movie-inspired attire, get into a debate about the new films, or read (or reread!) a science fiction classic, like Ender's Game.
Have you read Ender's Game? What did you think of it? Any other great science fiction recommendations for Star Wars Day? Please comment below! And don't forget to subscribe to my site to get my monthly newsletters.