'All My Sins Remembered' by Joe Haldeman follows the story of Otto McGavin, a peacekeeper in space who takes on the personalities of aliens to protect their rights, even if it means committing acts of violence. The book is a collection of episodic stories that explore the moral and emotional consequences of Otto's actions, as well as his internal struggle with his past sins and identity. Set in a distant future where humanity has colonized various worlds, the novel delves into themes of government manipulation, espionage, and the complexities of morality.

The writing style of 'All My Sins Remembered' is described as lean and matter-of-fact, with a mix of action-packed scenarios on different planets and a foreboding sense of sadness throughout the narrative. The book weaves together a series of scenarios where Otto must navigate through morally ambiguous situations, ultimately questioning the nature of his actions and the impact they have on his psyche.

Characters:

Characters are often conflicted, with the protagonist embodying the struggle between duty and personal ethics.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is characterized by a concise, straightforward style that effectively blends science fiction elements with deeper moral inquiries.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows a government operative who transforms himself to complete missions, exploring themes of reincarnation and the consequences of his actions.

Setting:

The setting spans a futuristic universe, highlighting issues of colonization and moral complexity in the context of interstellar politics.

Pacing:

Pacing is inconsistent; it is engaging but can feel slow at times, particularly in the transition between episodes.

Otto walked slowly along the broken slidewalk that over-looked the East River, enjoying the autumn breeze and the tang of ozone from the crawling stream of traffic beneath his feet. Approaching the UM...

Notes:

The protagonist, Otto McGavin, is a deep cover operative who uses hypnosis and plastic surgery to assume new identities.

The story explores themes of reincarnation, comparing Otto's missions to Buddhist beliefs about rebirth.

Otto is portrayed as a conflicted hero, struggling with the morality of his government-sanctioned missions.

The book consists of episodic narratives, which some readers found to be less cohesive than a traditional novel.

Haldeman's experiences in the Vietnam War influence the story's anti-government themes.

The writing style is characterized as lean and matter-of-fact, enhancing the outlandish sci-fi settings.

Some readers preferred the psychological intervals between missions over the primary episodes of action.

The book reflects the cultural changes of its time and has been described as a prescient work of science fiction.

Themes of morality and the impact of technology on society are central to the narrative.

Readers noted that the book might have benefited from more character development and fleshed-out plots.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes themes of violence, psychological trauma, and morally ambiguous actions.

From The Publisher:

In this powerful, provocative SF classic from the award-winning author of The Forever War, a young man of peace is transformed into an intergalactic killer.

Once Otto McGavin was a kind and gentle soul; then he was recruited by the all-powerful Confederación. An ultrasecretive, government-linked organization, the Confederación’s stated mission of protecting threatened life, both human and alien, throughout the galaxy greatly appeals to the Anglo-Buddhist McGavin as he eagerly prepares to embark on a career of diplomacy and selfless works.

But Otto’s new masters have other plans for the idealistic young recruit. Through a process of immersion therapy and hypnosis, and by encasing him in temporary bodies of plastiflesh, scientists can overlay Otto’s true persona with other ones, transforming him completely—body, mind, and soul—into the ruthlessly effective prime operator the Confederación wants him to be.

But decades of interstellar subterfuge and violence, and years spent wearing the personae of spies and cold-blooded killers, must ultimately take their toll—and before he leaves behind the lives that have been cruelly thrust upon him, Otto McGavin will have to somehow come to terms with who he really is and the monstrous things he has done.

One of the most powerful and thought-provoking stories from the Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author of Worlds and The Forever War, Joe Haldeman’s All My Sins Remembered is a stunning work of speculative fiction.

This ebook features an illustrated biography of Joe Haldeman including rare images from the author’s personal collection.

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All My Sins Remembered

Joe Haldeman