I thought I might begin my science fiction reviewing career with Starship Troopers. Aptly described as "the controversial classic of military adventure," and boy what a place to start. It is a story that was very ahead of its' time, and arguably the best military science fiction novel ever written.
The opening chapter is the most well written, action packed, realistic (for science fiction), and entertaining scene I have ever read. The chapter opens with just enough detailed backstory that you know what is going on, but not too much that you get bored waiting for the action to start. The first person narration of the main character is different than many other SF novels, but to me makes the story that much more real. And action, did I mention the action? In all my science fiction reading, I have not found a combat sequence to top this one. The detailed descriptions give a clear picture of the surroundings and actions of the characters, just enough that you can follow everything without being tedious. At times Heinlein gives a blow by blow account of things, offering lots of detail about just a few seconds of the engagement. Other times things are more general and several minutes’ worth of the fighting is summed up in a line or two. All in all, let me reiterate; of every single military science fiction novel I have read, the opening battle of Starship Troopers is my all-time favorite and I have yet to find another to match it.
Unfortunately, for anyone looking for that kind of action throughout the rest of the book, you will be disappointed. While there is more combat, nothing comes close to the level of detail and action of the first chapter. But don't feel that makes the book boring, by no means is that the case. We are then immersed in the mind and experiences of the narrator as he begins the transformation from a boy into a solider. I don't want to spoil anything by giving any kind of plot summary, so I'll merely comment on my overall experience reading the book.
What made it entertaining for me was the, for lack of a better word, realness of the characters. The narrator’s descriptions of the events draw you into his world. He clearly and in great detail describes his experiences so you almost feel as if you are there. Like the combat scenes, the descriptions are detailed enough that you know exactly what is going on down to the narrators thoughts, but not too detailed that they become tedious. Also like the combat sequences, Heinlein switches back and forth in the complexity of his scenes. He can spend an entire chapter going word for word through a discussion held in a classroom, or he can sum up several months in a few sentences.
All in all, the best way I can describe the book is to say that it is the most accurate and entertaining story of a boy being transformed into a soldier. Just the way the picture is painted shows that Heinlein has been there, he has had similar experiences. Things that someone who wasn’t ever a soldier couldn’t come up with on their own. The best example I can give is one of the lines from the book. The narrator explains that technically you can get a pass to leave his training camp, but there isn’t anything within walking distance other than open sky and endless prairie. But, he explains, don’t underestimate the value of being able to walk out so far where there isn’t any one giving orders, no officers to make sure you salute as they go by, etc. The book is strewn with these types of lines that to me, show just how realistic the writing is.
Before I sign off I do have to admit that I had seen the movie before reading the book (though they were many years apart). As I enjoyed the movie, that factored into my decision to purchase the book and caused me to go in expecting something a little different. I'm pretty sure anyone who read the book first and then saw the movie would hate it because, like just about every movie version, they pretty much discarded the book and went their own way.
So anyway, hopefully I didn’t lose too much credit in the science fiction world by admitting I like the movie version of Starship Troopers. Can I save a little bit of face by saying I think the book is way better? No? Everyone says that? Well then I guess I’ll just have to rely on my reviewing prowess. I hope you have enjoyed this review, and if you haven’t already, I really recommend you read Starship Troopers. Every science fiction library should include this classic.
Until next time, please comment and give suggestions for works you’d like to see reviewed.
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