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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Way Station isn’t a novel with the reputation with which his other works enjoy, but in terms of developing a fine story and the character’s need to make a choice to continue or strike out on a new life.
The writing is excellent, calm and concise, smoothly. Though a slight book (meaning not a long book), and orginally marketed to teens, it’s been overlooked partly because there is little to cause ray guns to fire and no rocket ships taking off. But a relaxing book, best savored slowly. One can do much, much worse.
a brand new outlook. Loved this story
Simak is a true master. He extends the plot into something larger than what it seems to be building up to, and he creates a truly satisfying resolution.
This is a masterpiece that shows just how good a Hugo-winning novel can be.
Brilliant but dated.
Nothing really happens. I kept waiting for it but it never got climatic.
Set in rural Wisconsin with beautifully realized characters, some of whom are not human, but real nonetheless. It’s a SF classic I somehow didn’t read until I was in my 60s
A sci-fi classic. Well worth reading. One of Simak’s best.
Simak was one of my all-time favorite authors and belongs on the list with Asimov & Clarke.
Very well paced unusual hard SF story. Good twists.
Good story simply told. You will enjoy. Written by a master of SciFi its a great book.Tis is the type of book that hooked me on SciFi as a child. Simak is the equal to Heinlein, Asimov and Clarke in my opinion almost forgotDick with His Man in the High Castle book and many others.
Very unique sci fi storyline. Not really one that feels like a cliche sci fi story. Heavy on characters.
Loved it! This book deals with the meaning of being human, and what makes someplace home. It addresses the problem of war and peace, and identifies that recognition of immanence is the foundation of peace, and brother love. On top of that it is fun and interesting just on a story and character basis!
Really enjoyed the wonderfully rich plot and characters.
This is one of the great science fiction novels everyone needs to read if they are to have a even decent knowledge of the field. One of the dozen or so science fiction novels I have read more than five times (about once every ten years since It was published).
Written quite a long time ago but still relevant
This science fiction classic was a real page-turner!
thought provoking but gets a little long winded in places.
Transfer station for a galactic federation established just after the Civil War. The station agent does not age. Of course that magazine subscription of 100 years raises questions.
There’s an essential sweetness to Simak’s writing which may be a quality inherent to a different time. I found the story inherently charming and uplifting.