The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

By: Robert A. Heinlein

Narrated by: Lloyd James

In what is considered one of Heinlein's most hair-raising, thought-provoking, and outrageous adventures, the master of modern science fiction tells the strange story of an even stranger world. It is 21st-century Luna, a harsh penal colony where a revolt is plotted between a bashful computer and a ragtag collection of maverick humans, a revolt that goes beautifully until the inevitable happens. But that's the problem with the inevitable: it always happens.

Winner of the 1967 Hugo award, this novel marked Heinlein's partial return to his best form. He draws many historical parallels with the War of Independence, and clearly shows his own libertarian political views.

©1965 Robert A. Heinlein (P)1999 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

• Hugo Award, 1967

"Adrenalizing, mind-stretching, conviction-testing...unmatched by any contemporary!" (Theodore Sturgeon)

Very Enjoyable Listen

I first read Mistress as a high school student in the sixties, and then reread it many times over the years. Probably my favorite Heinline book. Lloyd James' performance gave it a new life that insures that it will be one that I now also listen to again and again.

A classic

I agree with the reviewer who commented on the surprise, but workability of the narrators accents. It explains alot about the syntax Mannie uses. You'll quickly get used to it, and it goes far in letting the listener track WHO is talking.

What can I say? It's classic Heinlein at his best. The anachronisms are a bit attention getting, but not so much that it detracts from the story.

This is a must for any sci-fi buff's collection.

R.A.Hienlien is the Master

This book has all the great features in it that make it a fun and fantastic book . The narrator is intuitive in what R.A.H. is saying . The book flows along a smooth line of sci-fi entertainment.
R.A.H. really is the master of sci.fi. , he constantly proves that fact ...

Awesome performance by narrator

I read this book as a teen, and while remembering the framework of the story, the details were lost over time so the story was fresh again. The narration is superb and the accents chosen were interesting and perfect.

It was a hard audiobook to turn off in order to do other things. Riveting story, wry humor, interesting to see how Heinlein foresaw future blends of language and peoples and society. Kind of funny that he missed predicting cell phones or memory chips. The main character was using long extension cords on phones and carrying around reams of computer paper. But, the language mix was delightful!

Lots of fun and an innovative plot.

RAH at his very best

Long time RAH fan, I've read all of his works, most of them many times. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is my favorite. Heinlein's economical combination of accurate science, compelling characters, and his great storytelling make his story of the Lunar Colonies a moving retelling of a familiar story. If you can only hear one of his books, you can hardly go wrong with this one. If you are already an RAH fan, you owe yourself to read The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.