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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Simao at his best. Thought provoking
It’s been a while since I read this book, so I’m a little fuzzy on the details, but I remember being struck with the innovative plot and realistic characters.
I love it. Have read it many times.
I enjoyed this book as much now as I enjoyed it when I read it 40 years ago. One of my favorite authors then and now.
This is a very original and engrossing short novel about a civil war veteran who is chosen to be the keeper of a Way Station for travelers through our Galaxy. Enoch, a Wisconsin farmer, has his home changed by the aliens to accommodate the inter-galactic travelers, and from the start of his new station-keeper job does not age as long as he in in his home. The plot is not wild or even terribly exciting, but is fascinating and holds the reader like any good page-turner. It was written back in 1963, and I was in high school then, already an avid reader but not reading science fiction yet. It didn’t strike me as old-fashioned or out of date, although sleepy farm towns in rural Wisconsin were not usually the stuff of good novels in the 60’s or even now. The ending was a bit of a surprise for me, and it even turned a bit preachy, but all the threads of the story were wrapped up and and left me satisfied. If you like fantasy/science fiction, give this a try. It’s an oldie but a goodie!
Smooth writing & story telling style. Flowed very well. Great science fiction concepts. Great story line & ending didn’t let me down…wanted more
A very well written and original story that says a lot about human nature.
An unusual concept executed in an interesting way. Great read!
I read this book a long time ago. I read it more than once, enjoyed it every time.
This one was different. I liked it.
Outstanding. Clifford Sumack Is a thoughtful, logical writer, yet still surprises the reader. This book is what I ca;; a “keeper”.
An unforgettable classical story written in 1966 but still very timely. Deals with interactions with alien life forms and positive suppression of government corruption.
This was a great read. The characters are large as life dealing with unusual situations. Made me want to meet the characters in real life and broaden my outlook.
Way station is a book about a man who lives forever, as long as he runs a way-station for extraterrestrials who either travel through or stop for the experience on earth. Well written, good plat and some extra twists at the end.
I first read this book when I was a youngster and enjoyed it immensely. Now many years later I have rediscovered the wonderful characters Mr. Simak created, and have enjoyed it even more.
I loved the idea of a Way Station on Earth for aliens traveling between worlds. I loved the 19th century human who had run the Way Station for 100 years. And the strange young woman next door. But the last few pages of the book, and the whole idea of the imaginary people, annoyed me.
Good read
Intelligent, creative, imaginative, thoughtful.
Gentle and thoughtful Science Fiction.
One of Simak’s best. Read it three times over 70 years. On my top 10 list of SiFy.