An ageless hermit runs a secret way station for alien visitors in the Wisconsin woods in this Hugo Award-winning science fiction classic
Enoch Wallace is not like other humans. Living a secluded life in the backwoods of Wisconsin, he carries a nineteenth-century rifle and never seems to age–a fact that has recently caught the attention of prying government eyes. The truth is, Enoch is the last … is, Enoch is the last surviving veteran of the American Civil War and, for close to a century, he has operated a secret way station for aliens passing through on journeys to other stars. But the gifts of knowledge and immortality that his intergalactic guests have bestowed upon him are proving to be a nightmarish burden, for they have opened Enoch’s eyes to humanity’s impending destruction. Still, one final hope remains for the human race . . . though the cure could ultimately prove more terrible than the disease.
Winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novel, Way Station is a magnificent example of the fine art of science fiction as practiced by a revered Grand Master. A cautionary tale that is at once ingenious, evocative, and compassionately human, it brilliantly supports the contention of the late, great Robert A. Heinlein that “to read science-fiction is to read Simak.”
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One of the top 10 science fiction books of all time. If you haven’t read it, you simply must.
Holds up very well after more than fifty years.
Engaging supposition of earth as a way station reminiscent of “Men in Black” but closer to what might actually happen.
What a totally original concept. And I truly plausible story. The characters made sense. I would not be surprised to find out that this is a true story.
This story is imaginative and mellow. I read it 50 years ago and again recently. It was still very good! Why can’t current writers make such good and original stories?
An excellent story. Well written. Strong characters, nicely developed. Strong ending.
Sci-Fi classic – poses and resolves timeless ethical concerns in an absorbing tale.
great writing, great story
This was way out of the box thinking/writing. Not the usual sy-fy
or time travel. Thoroughly enjoyed the plot, and main character.
Clifford D. Simac’s reportage style of writing creates a very spare but complete picture of an immortal man hiding out in plain sight. He has time to think anyhow to save the world and to understand how much aliens are like us. The characters are wonderfully drawn and his optimism about our ability to change our world for the better is refreshing.
Simak is one of my favorite authors. This is a thought-provoking essay on one possible scenario for our eventual contact with lifeforms in the galaxy.
It was an interesting concept for a book, but it didn’t really stand out. I was interested in the idea but it never felt fully developed. It was very laid back.
Refreshing…a totally different look at dealing with extra-terrestrials.
Among Clifford’s best, probably his best. I could not put it down, fell asleep with my kindle on my face.
Amazing that this book was written over 50 years ago. So many sci-fi ideas in such a short book. Clifford D Simak deserved the Hugo award for this book.
This book is very well written and well thought out. I highly recommend it.
Classic Simak that turns out to be timeless. Beautifully written and makes one think!
A good read.