Book Review: Old Man's War by John Scalzi (Markus McDowell)

Old Man’s War, the first in a series, is a seminal work by John Scalzi. It is a gripping foray of science fiction iron with a unique twist on the concept of interstellar warfare. Scalzi crafts a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is engaging.

The plot centers around John Perry, a 75-year-old man who, after visiting his wife’s grave, decides to join the army. In Scalzi’s universe, however, this is not a familiar military. The Colonial Defense Force, tasked with defending Earth against the variety of other beings in the galaxy that have been discovered, many of whom are hostile. What is unique about this story is that the recruits are not the young, but those in their twilight years. They are given a young, cloned body of their own that has been genetically altered to be stronger and smarter. A brain implant allows them to communicate with other soldiers, as well as access information. Since these people have lived a full life, they also have their own wisdom and skills accrued—traits that prove invaluable in the brutal, unyielding war that unfolds light-years away from Earth.

Scalzi’s characters in Old Man’s War are deep, complex, and, especially in the case of the protagonist, endearing. John Perry’s journey is heartrending and inspiring. His transformation from an elderly man into a soldier fighting in an alien war is well-written, ensuring that he remains relatable despite the extraordinary circumstances. His progression is not only physical, but also mental and emotional, providing a human element that grounds the narrative amidst its high-concept science fiction trappings. While the technological advances envisioned by Scalzi are realistic and amazing, it is the character of John shines in the narrative.

Scalzi’s world-building is commendable. It is a compelling universe rife with alien races, advanced technology (for example, the soldiers have blood enhanced by nanobots that can save them even when seriously wounded), and complex socio-political dynamics. While much of the story is about a dark interstellar war, with all of war’s attendant horror (and some new ones because of the technology), Scalzi doesn’t shy away from injecting humor into the narrative, providing some levity, giving the reader a rest, and further enhancing the characters’ relatability.

The pacing of Old Man’s War can be critiqued as inconsistent in places. Some readers might find sections with excessive technical detail too much (although I enjoy this sort of thing). Although the novel’s focus on older characters is refreshing, it sometimes feels as though he misses opportunities to explore the full implications of this choice. The characters’ emotional reactions to their dramatically altered circumstances, for instance, could have been explored more deeply.

Old Man’s War is a stirring novel that offers a fresh perspective on the genre. Despite the minor issues above, John Scalzi’s narrative skill, his ability to design sympathetic and/or realistic characters, and the imaginative world-building make this a must-read for any sci-fi enthusiast.

It’s a thrilling journey that delves into the human condition, set against the backdrop of a war that spans the cosmos.