Book Review - Starship Troopers by Robet Heinlein

For a book about fighting a war against an alien species, there are relatively few aliens actually appearing in the story.  Yes, the war against the insect-like aliens forms the backdrop of the tale.  But there are only two scenes actually depicting the combat, bookending the story near the beginning and the end.

Most of the book discusses the training and advancement in the ranks of the protagonist, one Juan Rico.  The book is more intent on putting forth (what I interpret to be) Heinlein’s philosophy of why war is necessary and what the correct attitude towards war should be.  In many ways I was reminded of Steven Pressfield’s Gates of Fire, in that it followed a soldier from raw recruit to seasoned veteran and helped you understand the sacrifices, the camaraderie, and the mindset that allows him to put the interests of his state/planet ahead of his own life.

Heinlein does a wonderful job bringing the character of Rico to life.  He is very believable, although some of the behaviors displayed definitely reflect an old-fashioned 1950’s culture – for example Rico’s interactions with his love interest, Carmen, are strictly G rated.

For those that watched the 1997 film, the satirical tone of the movie is completely absent from the book version.  This might be a bit of a shock for those, like me, who were expecting the book to have many more opportunities to explore the satirical vein.  Instead, the tone is entirely earnest and heartfelt.  One gets the feeling that the society Heinlein describes is his version of utopia.

Overall, a very good book, dragged a little in the middle but beginning and end were quite enjoyable.  If you like it, I recommend checking out Gates of Fire as well.

Compare to: Gates of Fire, Steven Pressfield, which I felt was the superior book.