I was very impressed with this book and completely agree with the author regarding the problem that evil in the world presents to the existence of a God who is all powerful, all knowing, and all good.
Although this argument has been refuted numerous time by Christian apologists I find that their answers are illogical and entirely unrealistic.
I admire the authors boldness to present such a work in the time that he did. It was still a crime in some states to be an unbeliever.
In modern terminology Bean would be considered an "embedded journalist" and as the official war historian he was in the middle of the action during the involvement of Australian troops in the battles in the Somme in WW1.
He has a poetic writing style that paints a clear picture and he does not sugar coat anything.
Having recently returned from a tour of the Somme gave this book an emotional connection for me and I still find it hard to equate the green fields I saw with the mud and destruction described by Bean.
Read this and then hunt down Bean's other books, especially his writings about Gallipoli.
Superb.
Do you remember Elite, the computer game from the 80s'?
This short is based in that world. It is well written, has the necessary twists in the well constructed plot.
It is an interesting and very readable book. I eagerly look forward to more from this author.
If you like sci-fi, elite, reading, or even if you don't, I would recommend you read this.
For a short story i cant think of one that i have read that is better.
five star.
Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger aka cordwainer smith was an early contributor to the "golden age" of science fiction. the worlds were fabulous and well-fleshed but it was the people and their ethical dilemmas that always were at the center of the stories.
this story is good introduction to the worlds he created. if you liked this, there are more stories of his out there...
d