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)

Well read, great story

This has been one of my favorite novels for a very long time. The voice actor does a great job with both the highly eclectic language it’s written in and with giving each of the characters their own voice. I listen to it repeatedly - it’s that good.

great accent

I very much enjoyed this story of revolution . Hard science moves the plot along. Excellent story, fantastic reader.

One of the great classics of fiction

I've read this book in paper form half a dozen times at least, and listened to the audiobook three to four times. It is my favorite Heinlein, both thought provoking as well as entertaining. I overlook the questionable science as it isn't the point of the story, but it is powerful now as we enter a new age with many debates. Don't miss it.

Excellent performance and a great story

Initially I did not think I was going to enjoy this book. What I especially appreciated was the performance. I wish I could think Lloyd James personally. The message of the book one that thoughtful people will appreciate.

great listen

fun light story, great listen. voice acting and accents were great and added a lot of depth to the environment.

Even Better on Audio

This was the first science fiction book I ever read. I've read it many times since then and have enjoyed it every time. But listening to it absolutely blew me away. The narrator did an amazing job with all the characters, but especially Manny and Mike. This might just end up being the first audio book that I listen to twice.... I can't recommend this enough. If you are on the fence about it I promise you won't regret this purchase.

One of my favorites.

Have read this book many times in my 68 years and is still one of my favorites.

You don't always get what you pay for

You don't always get what you pay for...
Occasionally, you get far more.

This is the case with most all of Heinlein's fine works. Adventure with a constant balance of danger and intrigue is what you'll find within this marvel. Perhaps one of Heinlein's most realistic pieces of fiction, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress never once requires the reader to make a stretch of logic nor reality to accept the liberating tale of man's bond with machine in a truly luny fight for freedom.

Great Story

Would you consider the audio edition of The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress to be better than the print version?

I never read the print version, but the audio edition is excellent.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mannie is a great character. He is such a no-nonsense type character that is so completely practical. Humble heros are usually some of the best.

Which character – as performed by Lloyd James – was your favorite?

I enjoyed his performance of both Mike and Mannie. He gave great personality to Mannie. He also emulated the "always calm" AI persona of Mike.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Dinkum Thinkum can run circles around H.A.L 9000.

Narrator was best part of the book

I found this book to a great start but left me empty. The characters and writing was very good but the story was hard to follow at times because of technical jargon. I found it anticlimactic with the heavily anticipated fight scenes to be over quickly and not very well done. I enjoyed the book and would recommend. I am just being a critic.