The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

By: Robert A. Heinlein

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

Sci-Fi Gold

I’ve been a Heinlein fan almost as long as this book has been in existence. Some of his many books are excellent, some are flawed or dated (a half century later), but I think this book is his single best and it has weathered time well. It has it all: great and believable characters, a novel and richly detailed world for them to inhabit, his trademark soapbox (in this case, disdain for government), and a brilliantly creative plot, particularly in view of the time period in which he wrote it. All of this he accomplished in a single, not overly-long novel, a masterpiece of brevity given its complexity. In the mid-60s, we had yet to set foot on the moon, and a computer that filled a room had less capacity than an average cell phone has now, so many elements of the setting were more creative than might be appreciated now. I worry a little that readers today with 50+ years of Star Trek, Star Wars and their brethren under their belts will think the story derivative, when the reverse is true if anything . In any event, the book is a complete work that at times will surprise you, make you laugh, or make you tear up.

My reaction to the narration was initially not positive. The narrator’s choice of delivering the first-person words and thoughts of the protagonist in a Russian accent was jarring and unexpected. But I got used to it, and came to admit it made some sense given the frequent Russian words that appear in Heinlein’s Loonie-speak. At the very least, it easily distinguished Manny’s thoughts and words from those of other characters. The narrator did show off an ability to give numerous other characters distinctive voices and accents, so in the end I gave him the full five stars for his efforts.

An excellent listen, and I’m glad I picked up this Audible version of a book I have read and loved many times. As always, it is a treat to hear great words performed well.

A True SciFi Classic

There's a reason why Robert Heinlein is considered to be one of the greatest SciFi writers ever. The sound basis of science along with building a completely believable world of a plausible future for mankind is totally absorbing.

The narration is one of the best I have heard.

masterpiece

I have read this book so many times and it gets only better and more relevant over time.
natural degradation? check
crisis of democracy? check
artificial intelligence? check
moon base building? check
alternatives to chemical rocket propulsion? check

Classic Heinlein

Story has always been one of my favorites, but this audio brings it alive with proper rendition of Manny’s Russian-inspired accent. Very well done. Loved it.

I really enjoyed this book!

Very good story and the reading was great. Well worth a credit. Go for it!

Well read, classic sci-fi

Very well read. Story holds up after 60yrs.

Well paced and wish there was more

Yes, just yes.

Can a book leave you in tears twice, Yes my dear friend. This novel is great for so many reasons. The author’s grasp of human nature, the mishmash of loony language, the description of lunar society, and, most of all, the friendship between Mannie and Mike.

still good even after all these years

i read this when I was a kid and enjoyed it and I was s little worried about how dated it might be and was pleasantly surprised. Sure somethings are a bit funny, but Heinlien was also pretty progressive in many ways. also the weiting and the story telling was better than I remembered. A bit preachy at times but still angood story and the narration was really good. Added to the story on my opinion.

Most amazing narrator for finest SF story

Absolutely loved every second. The story is one of the best ever, and the narrator brought the story not only to life, but to a visceral, personal level seldom achieved. Top Audible listen of all time.

Great story, wonderful narrator

I read "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" in high school,and now that I'm "reading" it again 15 years later I realize how much I missed the first time. Heinlein has written a literate sci-fi classic that delves into philosophy, Revolution and other always current topics. Narrator Lloyd James clarifies my biggest problem with the book: protagonist Manny's sometimes odd language and syntax. When Manny speaks with a Russian accent, all is clear. Recommended for lovers of sci-fi and good stories!