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 read

One of my favorites. Not a lick of reality but fun anyway. As with any Heinlein book character are believable and have something to say.

The racism is intentional

During times of war, combatants call the enemy all sorts of derogatory names. This book reflects the baseness of men at war hating the other side.

Fave Author - problemmatic book

This has Heinlein's trademark voice, obvious but not heavy-handed patriotism, decent characterizations (all male, in this case - womenfolk are all off screen), a sprinkle of political philosophy. The technology and military strategies are engaging. But, WOW. This is one hellaciously racist story. Whew! Product of its time. Narration was good for the most part. He did make one character vocal choice - a heavy, low voice for Thomas that seems strangled. Hurt my throat just listening to it

Really?

Is there anything you would change about this book?

the storyline

Which character – as performed by Tom Weiner – was your favorite?

none

Any additional comments?

If you're into books like Stephen King's "The Stand" or J Cronin's "Passage" or "The Twelve".. then don't waste your time... this book pales in comparison.. weak story line.. pitiful ending.. there is not depth to this book. I wish I hadn't wasted a credit on it...

Read at Your Peril

This book is about a "yellow race" conquering the USA and the fight that ensues. It was written in 1949 and reflects the attitudes and perspectives of the time--just four years ago, the war against Japan had been won. The North Koreans are about to invade South Korea. One cannot judge a work of that era by today's morals. The author is considered one of the best sci-fi writers and in this book, he predicted several events and other things that have come true or are not yet solved, like curing cancer. The plot involves a group of dedicated Americans who turn back the hoard using cultural blind spots as cover. Why not? Without context, I would have rejected this book, but because of it, maybe I'll read more Heinlein.

Disconcerting and thought provoking

The story concept and sci fi elements I liked. The mutual disdain and blatant racism between master race and enslaved race were so disconcerting that they pushed me out of the story and into my own thoughts. Though I expected it to be so, it is not simple juvenile literature.

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.

Childhood favorite

I first read this book when I was a teenager. I finally decided to give it another go. Even though the underlying "history" has passed it by, I have to admit that I enjoyed it every bit as much as I did the first time. There's just something about the way Heinlein put words together to tell stories that made those stories timeless. He's one of the few writers from my childhood that I truly miss as a septagenarian.