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The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
 

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

by Robert Heinlein

Robert A. Heinlein was the most influential science fiction writer of his era, an influence so large that, as Samuel R. Delany notes, "modern critics attempting to wrestle with that influence find themselves dealing with an object rather like the sky or an ocean." He won the Hugo Award for best novel four times, a record that still stands. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress was the last of these... (read more)

Top tags: science fiction,  fiction,  heinlein,  sci-fi,  classic (all tags)

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Other Reviews

Amazon Reviews
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.
jmadigan
  • Rated 4 stars

“The more I read by Robert Heinlein the more I like his stuff. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress sets itself up to be a typical science fiction adventure story, but quickly takes a sharp turn into more of a sci-fi political thriller. Ever wonder what would happen if a super intelligent, self-aware computer was put in charge of overthrowing a corrupt government on Earth's moon? That's a large part of what this book is about. Mannie, a one-armed computer technician with an anti-authority streak,...”

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Didn’t Like It

Soundchaser
  • Rated 2 stars

“This one got me at first ( the ideea of a Moon Rebellion orchestrated by a computer with some kind of conscience..was captivating) . The writing is also good but the book was just not my cup of cake.”

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Community:
  • Rated 4.283753 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4.555555 stars
  

Newest Comments

  • pamelajdodd

    pamelajdodd said:

    “In many cases readers take away differing ideas when reading the same book. This is natural, in that as readers we bring our own ideas along as we read. Heinlein could be annoying, he could be inspiring, but he was thought provoking. That is one of the reasons I read SF, and the main reason I return to his works, even though he has been gone quite a few years now.

    If you want adventure, he can provide that. If you want to explore politics, it is there for you, in abundance. Certainly, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is one of his better works, meaning that it can be read on more than one level, and readers will take away different ideas, based upon what is in each reader's own mind.

    There are stories and book by Heinlein that were not "keepers" for me, but I won't waste any time or energy in "detesting" them. Instead, I revisit my favorites and let someone else read the others.”

    posted Saturday, October 20 2007
  • Morganacat

    morganacat said:

    “The level of detail to logic, technology, science, language etc in this book are probably both its greatest strength and weakness. On one hand, it can be a bit dry, but on the other, it makes this story very realistic and believable. Heinlein has a great mind. The characters are engaging - especially the main character Manny and the whole idea of a normal guy who gets swept up into practically leading a revolution. I enjoyed it, and certain ideas in the book will stay with me. (Can a computer have a soul?)”

    posted Saturday, October 13 2007
  • smog

    smog said:

    “This is the how to of the american Revolution. If you know the history of the comittees of sorespondence and how cells work you will realize he was giving a history lesson in an accessible way for the kids.”

    posted Thursday, April 5 2007
  • Michael L

    michael l said:

    “I simply ate up every Heinlein book there was when I was a teen. I found no fault with any of them but this is and was one of my favorites. It is interesting to realize that when I read this book the idea of penal colonies on the moon did not seem very far fetched. We had been to the moon and it seemed like the exploration of space would carry on unabated, and it made some kind of ironic sense that the moon could be turned into another Australia if you will. Looking at the history within the story, the first penal colonies would have started in the 1970's, and here it is 2007 and we are no where near colonizing the moon. Which is fine with me I might add.”

    posted Wednesday, April 4 2007
  • fakehate

    fakehate said:

    “I'd say that The moon is a harsh mistress is a lighter fare compared to Starship Troopers, not as much social and military philosophy. It is a great book and considered by many to be their favorite Heinlein book. Id say it lies more in line with the Cat who walks through walls than Starship troopers, although is merely my opinion.”

    posted Wednesday, April 4 2007
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