The Suspense of Science Fiction

Kaitlin made some very good observations on Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game.  I agree with Kaitlin completely about Card’s writing style.  Card just gives us little tidbits here and there, pushing us to keep reading.  I am constantly asking myself questions as I read: “They called Ender a third, what is that supposed to mean?  Who are these people talking about Ender?  Why is he called Ender?  He’s having a monitor removed, what’s that?”  Of course, as one reads, all these questioned are answered, but Card writes in such a way that you want to know these answers, so you just want to keep reading and reading to learn more. 

Also, Kaitlin’s explanation for why Card chose to write his book like this makes a lot of sense too.  Ender is confused and disoriented, and by purposely leaving out the details till later we do feel some of the same feelings Ender is.  It was a very clever move on Card’s part to write the book how he did and I can’t wait to read more!