The smoke drifted like thin, gray wisps of fog above the tortured earth and the shattered fences and the peach trees that had been whittled into toothpicks by the cannon fire. It even has a modern feel about accepting diversity and not judging on looks.Overall, a very well written book and worthy of the awards won. Outside of a few things (lack of automation, for example), the book feels modern. One last thing, this book doesn't feel dated at all. Or the ending of the story, the came out of left field, and solved all the problems, from the Galactic Government breaking up, to the Earth being admitted to the alliance. The Government men in this story, for example, actually being reasonable in a situation that I wouldn't consider reasonable. It read a bit like Sand Country Almanac at times, with the lead character pondering over nature and what has changed in the years since he became keeper of the station.however, its not perfect. I can see why it won - its beautifully written, with a great leading character, and a very interesting premise - Aliens need a way station that gets them to their next stop, and Earth is just one station in this large network.

Heinlein that “to read science-fiction is to read Simak.” A cautionary tale that is at once ingenious, evocative, and compassionately human, it brilliantly supports the contention of the late, great Robert A. 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. though the cure could ultimately prove more terrible than the disease.

Still, one final hope remains for the human race . . . 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. The truth 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. 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. Įnoch Wallace is not like other humans. Hugo Award Winner: In backwoods Wisconsin, an ageless hermit welcomes alien visitors-and foresees the end of humanity.

Way station by clifford d simak