Book Review: The Enemy Stars by Poul Anderson (Three Stars)
‘The sea never forgives you.’
Hard science fiction from the dawn of the space age. (First published in 1958) Anderson engages even modern readers with deep characterization and realistic plotting. Plenty of interpersonal conflict, but it’s reality which threatens.
‘Do you expect any trouble?’ ‘One is never certain. The great human mistake is to anticipate. The totally relaxed and unexpectant man is the one prepared for whatever may happen: he does not have to get out of an inappropriate posture before he can react.’
The technical gaffs are less noticeable than many more recent SF stories, though the appearance of a slide rule may give many contemporary readers pause.
‘That is one way to destroy yourself … hoping. You must accept the worst, because there is always more of the worst than the best in this universe.’
English spelling and punctuation.
‘One sin which is punished with unfailing certainty, and must therefore be the deadliest sin in all time. Stupidity.’
As a Matter of Fancy 