Sixth Column

By: Robert A. Heinlein

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

It’s six against six million in a brilliantly waged near-future war for nothing less than liberty and justice for all. The totalitarian East has triumphed in a massive invasion, and the United States has fallen to a dictatorial superpower bent on total domination. That power is consolidating its grip through concentration camps, police state tactics, and a total monopoly upon the very thoughts of the conquered populace. A tiny enclave of scientists and soldiers survives, unbeknownst to America’s new rulers. It’s six against six million - but those six happen to include a scientific genius, a master of subterfuge and disguise who learned his trade as a lawyer-turned-hobo, and a tough-minded commander who knows how to get the best out of his ragtag assortment of American discontents, wily operators, and geniuses. It’s going to take technological savvy and a propaganda campaign that would leave Madison Avenue aghast, but the US will rise again. The counterinsurgency for freedom is on, and defeat is not an option.

Robert A. Heinlein (1907–1988) was born in Missouri. He served five years in the US Navy, then attended graduate classes in mathematics and physics at UCLA, took a variety of jobs, and owned a silver mine before beginning to write science fiction in 1939. His novels have won the Hugo Award, and in 1975 he received the first Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement.

©1949 Robert A. Heinlein (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

great book - classic Heinlein!

What made the experience of listening to Sixth Column the most enjoyable?

Great story. Good recording.

What other book might you compare Sixth Column to and why?

It is comparable to Double Star by Heinlein and The Moon is a Harsh Mistress also by Heinlein.

What does Tom Weiner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I like the voices Weiner uses. It helps you 'see' the characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wouldn't mind listening to it all at once, but I don't have that kind of blocks of time.

War is hell and the Enemy is hated

I know there will reviews speaking to the demoraling racism of the Pan-Asian enemies.
The science of the unified field theory used as military asset as 6 men against a conquered nation by Pan-Asians.

Heinlein is always good

It's amazing how many things have changed in society and the world since this book was written -- and how much has NOT changed.

An old but great book.

What about Tom Weiner’s performance did you like?

Tom, has a voice which is suites a 40s detective story. His voice is abrupt but with lots of charactor. For this book, it reminds you how long ago the book as been written and adds character to the performance.

Any additional comments?

Hienline can be somewhat prophetic in his story lines. This book is not different, with the tools being technology, deceiption and religion. I strongly recommend it to anyone who likes a good science fiction yarn.

Good listen

Good listen on the way to work. A little dated maybe, but the reading was well done with the different voices of the characters easily distinguishable from one another.

1959 Sci Fi

When you read this remember when it was written. Heinlein wrote this book in 1959, less than fifteen years after WW II was over. He probably intended it as an alternate history type of story, sort of, "What if the Japanese had won?"

It's a great tale. I thought Tom Weiner did a good job narrating.but not a great job. Yes, it's dated. It's still a great. tale by one of the first true masters of SF.

Great Story. Very fun listen

If you could sum up Sixth Column in three words, what would they be?

Classy Heinlein Story

Any additional comments?

This is the Heinlein I love. A great story written well with no preaching. After listening to Glory Road, which was not much more than another extremely preachy Heinlein book, I almost deleted this book without listening to it, but I'm so glad I didn't.

Dated, but thoughtful

As usual, Heinlein weaves a story of humanity, inhumanity and insight to take a journey through imagination and practicality. Excellent story with an engaged storyteller!

Not one of my favorites

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

If I had to do it over again, I might pass on this one. I just wasn't captured like I was with his other books. It was recommended to me by a friend, and that was reason enough to pick up the book. Heinlein does a great job of telling stories, but you can't expect someone to be into every story, can you?

Would you be willing to try another book from Robert A. Heinlein? Why or why not?

I've read other Heinlein books, which is why I was more apt to pick up this one. If I had started here, I might not have experienced some really great stories.

A Dystopian Story

The Pan Asians conquered the U.S. and a small band of scientists must overcome these forces.

It's not a bad story. it does have the Heinlein libertarian philosophy throughout. part philosophy, part action story.

But it's engaging and well read.