Shadow of the Giant

0 Comments:

Did you ever read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card? Well, we're not the only ones who think it is a good read. That science fiction novel is currently listed on several army and navy recommended reading lists for junior enlisted personnel. Why? In part, because it extols the value of creative solutions to impossible problems. As another bonus, it also compares the relative merits and effectiveness of various command styles when differing personalities are thrown into the mix (which is relevant to everybody regardless of age, profession or status). But the novel only focuses on three of those personalities -- Ender and his siblings. What about the rest of those kids in Battle School? What role did they play?


Enter the back story to Ender's Game. Ender's Shadow is not a sequel. It runs in parallel to the original tale, and in doing so, provides additional depth by shedding light on the character of Ender's right hand man, Bean. Bean's tale is so much richer and poignant than Ender's because the author incorporated his new perspective and experiences as a father. If Game is intended to remind us that some things are worth fighting for tooth-and-claw, then Shadow titrates that harshness with a dose of altruistic balance. Ender does save humanity but his final victory is gained when he quits playing the game and throws the rulebook out the window. He's brilliant but erratic. He's a hero. In contrast, Bean's greatest battle is against his pride and fear and he fights that campaign with a tenacity that his leader cannot match. And in the end, his is the greater victory. Bean is a soldier.

 

Show all posts