Sci Fi Audiobooks: Ongoing column reviewing classics of sci fi and fantasy as well as current works available in audio format.
Book Summary:
This book takes place in the future when humanity has embarked on interstellar travel, which resulted in contact with an intelligent insectoid species known as the Formics (more commonly referred to as “Buggers”). This inter-species meeting had drastic consequences, though, as two devastating wars followed which nearly wiped out the human race. Now, humanity prepares for a third invasion, and they desperately search for leaders who can command the fleet in the upcoming war. This has resulted in the creation of Battle School, where children who show potential are brought in at an early age to train as future leaders. Ender Wiggin is one of these children, and he enters the school at an especially young age (not quite six) because Earth’s military leaders believe he may be their greatest hope. He excels in Battle School and graduates to Command School very quickly. Then he finds himself thrust into an encounter with Earth’s greatest enemy much sooner than he would have expected.
Originally Published: 1985 (Novel), 1977 (Novella)
Book Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars (Highest Rating)
Audibook Rating: 4 ½ out of 5 Stars
Bottom Line:
Ender’s Game delivers a seminal military science fiction novel that delves into the human side of conflict and deals with many of the moral quandaries involved with war along with how far one side will go to assure its survival. This one also counts as an important work of the genre and certainly belongs among the all-time great sci-fi books.
Historical Context:
Ender’s Game began as a novella that was published in the August 1977 issue of Analog Science Fiction and Fact, and it only captured the climax of Ender’s childhood. Card later expanded it into a full-length novel, adding the events at Battle School that make up the bulk of the book. The novel emerged during an interesting period in science fiction when military science fiction was becoming increasingly popular, but Ender’s Game distinguished itself by focusing less on futuristic weapons and more on psychology, leadership, and the moral cost of war. Rather than glorifying combat, the novel asks whether victory is worth the sacrifices required to achieve it.
The Cold War environment of the time also heavily influenced the story. Written while tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union remained high, the novel reflects fears of global conflict, preemptive warfare, and the pressure to prepare children for a dangerous future. The “Bugger Wars” serve as a stand-in for an existential threat requiring humanity to unite despite political divisions.
A Closer Look:
Ender’s Game has received a great deal of acclaim since its publication, and the novel earned the 1985 Nebula Award and the 1986 Hugo Award. It also regularly finds its way onto Top 10 lists of the best science fiction books. These accolades are deserved because the book is more than just an excellent sci fi story; it is actually an important piece of literature because of its examination of the darker side of human nature as well as the moral dilemmas that arise during wartime. It also has its share of critics who decry the alleged justification of Ender’s violent acts and his indoctrination into the military at such a young age. Yet it is these very things that elevate Ender’s Game beyond just a genre story and into the realm of literature that addresses social issues and moral quandaries.
While within the novel we see justifications for Ender’s actions and the system that puts him into the position to carry out those actions, the book itself does not justify them. And we see this through Ender’s own internal struggles. He’s good at what he does, but he faces strong moral reservations because he does not want to kill and feels he has been forced into that position. But then the people who have put him in that position do so because they believe he is the last hope for the human race. If he can’t defeat the Buggers, then perhaps no one can. They are desperate, and they make questionable decisions. And the book lays this out quite clearly. Elements like this, along with its observations on politics and manipulating public opinion, are what make it such an engaging and challenging work.
This story also has some major predictions in it. Written originally in the mid ’70s, then expanded in the early ’80s, it foreshadows laptops and tablet computers, the internet, instant messaging, email, social forums, and more.
Card delivers a very complete novel that has strong science/speculative fiction elements as well as an engaging exploration of human nature. The three-sided personality of the Wiggin siblings gives a good example of this. They are each very different people, yet they share very important similarities that allow them to work their way into positions of authority and power. As one character says at one point during the book (and I paraphrase): their abilities are basically the same; the difference is their temperament. Of course, some readers may have some suspension-of-disbelief issues with the fact that these children manage to accomplish what they do despite their young age, but the book addresses that as well. Several times characters comment on the fact that these children have been denied a childhood and that they find themselves where they are and act the way they do because of their talents and the predicament they find themselves in.
Now some people will not read this book or will insist that others avoid it simply because of the author. Orson Scott Card is definitely a controversial figure with some outspoken views that many oppose. He is a Mormon and the great-grandson of Brigham Young (which is no reason in itself to dislike him; I have known and been friends with several people of the Mormon faith). But he has voiced strong anti-gay opinions, denouncing same-sex marriage and advocating that long outdated and blatantly discriminatory laws against homosexual behavior remain in place. He also supports a return to societal values that America had prior to the 1960s (you know, the good old days when mom knew her place and stayed home to take care of the kids). He has also taken a vocal stance against claims that global warming is a threat to our planet and has suggested that evidence disproving global warming’s impact has been suppressed. These and other things have turned many people against him, and you will find a quick polarization among science fiction fans when you mention his name.
His personal beliefs aside (and I strongly oppose many of his views), that’s not a reason to avoid Ender’s Game. We all represent a conundrum of contradictions, and it’s what makes us human (Thomas Jefferson wrote the words “All men are equal” while owning slaves). Despite this, Card managed to deliver an intricate and insightful book that will make the reader think and should prompt constructive debate on the moral quandaries it presents. And don’t take the fact that the main characters are children to mean that this is a kid’s book. It will appeal to a younger audience, but Ender’s Game has many deep themes running throughout that will engage more mature readers. I would definitely place this book on my Top 10 list of favorite science fiction and fantasy works, and probably even in my Top 5. And it’s definitely one that all genre fans should encounter at some point.
Comments on the Audiobook:
The audiobook version definitely does the novel justice, and in the afterward by Card, he even notes that he believes his works are best read aloud. Several voice actors contribute to the audiobook (including Harlan Ellison, though he only has a minor role), with Stefan Rudnicki providing the bulk of the narration. He does an excellent job and works well in conjunction with the other contributors who lend their voices. As mentioned, this audiobook also has an afterward read by Orson Scott Card, and that in itself is nearly worth the price of admission. He talks about how he came up with the idea for the story and how it developed from a short story to a novel. He also talks about why it took so long to make it to the big screen and gives an interesting insight into the workings of Hollywood. Ender’s Game is truly an excellent novel and an important work of fiction, and this audiobook makes it that much more enjoyable. It is available from Audible and other audiobook sources.
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