Ender's Game

Ender’s game is the first in the quintet of books written by Orson Scott Card. Ender’s Game is one of Card’s most popular books, and it specializes in what Card is best at; Sci-Fi literature. His beautiful narrative writing creates an engaging story with a thought-provoking message. Ender’s game tells us the story of Ender Wiggin’s dysfunctional childhood. Ender’s Game has several important themes, such as perseverance, cunning, and keeping your wits during an unfavorable situation.

The book takes place sometime in the near future, in a world scarred by fear of another alien attack. Ender, along with his 2 siblings, Peter and Valentine, were bred to be genius military strategists to help combat the next wave of “buggers”, the aliens that attacked previously. Peter and Valentine embody the two sides of Ender’s personality, the Loving side (Valentine), and the violent, deadly side (Peter). Ender is constantly abused in his early childhood by his tyrannical brother, Peter, and on the contrary, he is loved dearly by his sister, Valentine. Ender, unlike his siblings, is chosen to go to a select military training academy for genius children, which happens to be in space. Ender has to chose between the person he loves most in the world, his sister Valentine, or an opportunity to escape his vicious brother, Peter, who is jealous of Ender, and seemingly refuses to love him. Ender chooses an escape. At the military training academy, also known as The School, he is forced to endure numerous tests, and is manipulated endlessly by the adults who run The School. There are several internal conflicts in Ender’s Game, but one of the most important conflicts is Ender’s desire to be loved by his family, including Peter;

“You want to beat Peter?" she asked
"No," he answered
"Beat the buggers. Then come home and see who notices Peter Wiggin anymore. Look him in the eye when the entire world loves and reveres you. That'll be defeat in his eyes, Ender, that’s how you win"
"You don't understand" he said
"Yes i do"
"No you don't. I don't want to beat Peter"
"Then what do you want?"
"I want him to love me” 

(Card 153)

Ender’s desire to prove himself to his brother in order to gain his love spurs Ender to go to Battle School, which is where most of the book takes place. Because this is the conflict that pushes the entire story forward, it is the most important.

I would highly recommend Ender’s Game to anyone who is a fan of Orson Scott Card’s writings, or who is a fan of sci-fi and extremely narrative literature. The majority of the book takes place inside Ender’s mind, where he is reflecting on himself, his life, and his choices. It’s a beautiful tale of childhood, perseverance, strength, and struggle. Ender’s Game has easily won its rightful place among the greatest Sci-Fi literature pieces, and it is surely a must-read.

Book Review by Amy I.