Ender's Game

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  Orson Scott Card is one of my favourite writers and it was Ender's Game that convinced me so. Not since "Dune" by Frank Herbert (my favourite novel) has a book resonated so much with me.

  The storyline is great and it is wonderful how well he writes precocious children. There was never any point when I was drawn out of the book, never a moment when I had to stop and think "Wait a minute, Ender is supposed to be how old?". That is an achievement in of itself but more than... (show more)

  Orson Scott Card is one of my favourite writers and it was Ender's Game that convinced me so. Not since "Dune" by Frank Herbert (my favourite novel) has a book resonated so much with me.

  The storyline is great and it is wonderful how well he writes precocious children. There was never any point when I was drawn out of the book, never a moment when I had to stop and think "Wait a minute, Ender is supposed to be how old?". That is an achievement in of itself but more than that, the book is just so remarkably compelling.

  If you read Ender's Game, you will end up reading the entire series. The later books in the Ender cycle are a different kind of read to Ender's Game (and this may disappoint some people) but they are worthy successors.

  Ender's Game is an entirely self-enclosed title and if you are looking for something to read, no matter what genre you usually like, I guarantee that you'll enjoy this one. (show less)

   

   

  by Dorian Hawkins on Feb 26, 2009 at 12:51PM

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  About a year ago I attempted to read Ender’s Game and quickly gave up because of how cruel Peter is and how viciously Ender attacks Stilson. I did not want to deal with such sadistic children- not after what happened when I went to see The Butterfly Effect. The movie was very good, in retrospect, but at the time I wanted nothing more than to walk out in the middle of it. The brother was so incredibly, incomprehensibly cruel that I could not take it. At the time I did not fully understand ... (show more)

  About a year ago I attempted to read Ender’s Game and quickly gave up because of how cruel Peter is and how viciously Ender attacks Stilson. I did not want to deal with such sadistic children- not after what happened when I went to see The Butterfly Effect. The movie was very good, in retrospect, but at the time I wanted nothing more than to walk out in the middle of it. The brother was so incredibly, incomprehensibly cruel that I could not take it. At the time I did not fully understand why the movie had upset me so much, I just knew I didn’t like a little kid filled with such vicious hatred inside. That’s not what childhood is supposed to be about. The Butterfly Effect has resonated with me ever since. Because of this, I did not want to deal with what Ender’s Game might do to me.
  A second person, whose opinion in content I highly respect, praised Ender’s Game multiple times. I decided I must get over my “phobia,” and discover this literary work for myself. I am currently halfway through it and find it absolutely amazing. Not only is it an intriguing story by itself, but the way the themes are presented are genius. There is no question as to why it has won both the Nebula and Hugo awards. Keep in mind, I am only half way through...
  While I am struggling with the treatment of and by the children, I am getting through it with a lot more poise this time. Kids are cruel, and other than the fact that they are kids, I think it is the rawness of their cruelty that is so hard for me to handle. I still cannot answer why they are mean, at least not in the case of Peter or the brother in The Butterfly Effect. Parental pressure and social heirarchy at least give one reason, and these are where Ender’s cruelties lie as well of those in the Battle School. But for Peter and the brother, neither of those play any role: they are just plain mean. And mean is too light of a word for them. I have hope for Peter, though, as his character is developing and its role excites me for its possibilities.
  I love how Card uses children for his main characters, though. It makes they what they say and do so much more poignant. The use of children with the intellect of adults is perfect for the message which Card wants to impart unto his audience. While I am still getting the workings of this message, its method is understandable in its purpose and function. By having Peter and Val be Demosthenes and Locke, Card has freed himself of any adult restrictions. They may be geniuses, but as Val continuously reminds Peter, they are only children. They do not have to worry about a job, a family’s reputation, or any of the other nuisances that would require an adult to keep their mouth shut or sway their opinion. This absence makes their ideas pure and unmolested. There is motive, as can obviously be seen through Peter, but it is not outside motive nor pressure, and their is no compromise. Such a venue allows the onion to be already shed of its layers. I am eager to see what happens...

  A very satisfying end to a fantastic book. (show less)

   

   

  by Kate Dowden on Aug 27, 2009 at 05:21AM

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