Otto McGavin is peaceful and idealistic by nature, an Anglo-Buddhist, who seeks employment with the Confederacion because he believes in it and its mission to protect the rights of humans and... This description may be from another edition of this product.
This is the story of Otto McGavin, an agent who's job it is to protect the rights of aliens in the areas of space controlled by humans. The book is part sci-fi, part mystery, and part philosophical satire. This might seem an odd mix on paper but it is right up Haldeman's alley. This is the stuff he does really well.For most of the novel this is a good story - well written and enjoyable to read. The last section however (the story is really more like several different novellas about McGavin's life) is knock-your-socks-off brilliant. I read it in one sitting and after taking a deep breath went back and read that section again. It's that good.
An Excellent Book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
This is the third book by Joe Heldeman that I've read. All three have been excellent. The first two were "The Forever War" and "Tool of the Trade". His writing style is always simple and direct , and he shows a healthy mistrust of the government. I would recommend this book to anyone if you can get your hands on a copy. I found mine at at a used bookstore in my area.
Simply Put: Find this book and read it!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
Okay, I know FOREVER WAR is supposed to be THE Joe Haldeman book, but I have to tell you: ALL MY SINS REMEMBERED is the ONE. I picked up the Forever War (my first Haldeman) a few months ago after reading all the great reviews, and I did think it was a really good book. Good enough to get me searching around the used books stores for some other stuff. Mindbridge was good too, but AMSR blew me away. I've read it twice, and as soon as my room mate gives it back, I will read it again. I am a one man AMSR preacher at Stanford, so if you find me waving this book in your face just give up and read it! I want it re-published! I want to get a nice new copy!
A Moving Combination of Tense Thriller and Hard SF
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I've read AMSR about five times now. I would say it's my favourite Haldeman book. The story revolves around a future mercenary/secret agent and the near-suicidal missions on which he's sent. The twist here is that the aganet is programmed Joe 90 style, actually assuming the personality necessary to achieve his mission.This may sound like pretty gung-ho space opera so far and indeed it would be, in the hands of a lesser writer. But Haldeman's genius weaves a complex, moving SF passion play which leads the reader to question nearly every tenet of their own morality. Does the freedom of those of us in the Western world depend upon shadowy atrocities carried out by operatives similar to Haldeman's protagonist? I urge you to buy, beg, borrow or steal this book. It's a *great* story, in all senses of the word. And like all the best SF, it leaves you with more questions than answers.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.