• The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

  • By: Robert A. Heinlein
  • Narrated by: Lloyd James
  • Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (10,794 ratings)

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The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

By: Robert A. Heinlein
Narrated by: Lloyd James
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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)

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Science fiction is a genre as diverse as you can imagine. There are stories that take place in deep space, often depicting teams exploring or running away from something; stories that focus on life at the most cellular level, such as a pandemic tale; and stories that take place in times that feel similar to our own. Depicting themes of existentialism, philosophy, hubris, and personal and historical trauma, sci-fi has a cadre of topics and moods.

What listeners say about The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

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Great Job on a Classic Story

What did you love best about The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress?

I will never make it to the moon, except through this type of novel. Heinlein does a great job on speculating what it would be like to live in the moon. His way of using humor and fact make this an easy read. But what I like most about this novel is Heinlein's ability to see the assumptions we make (that most don't even see as assumptions) and set them aside. Humor makes it an easy to consider new political views.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The narrator Manny, such an un-assuming hero. But don't forget M. Holmes. Holmes will play an integral part in several other novels, not the least of which is "The Number of the Beast."

What about Lloyd James’s performance did you like?

Lloyd James brings the characters to life. I think he does them justice, and will look for other books read by him.

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Great work from Mr. Heinlein

A classic indeed. This story has a mildly slow pace, but it is very entertaining. Great characters, interesting setting.

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Engaging even in 2015!

By focusing on people this novel manages to stay engaging and fun! This has aged very well.

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Great Audiobook Version of a Classic

I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. I had not read the novel in over a decade, but the characters once again came to life through my headphones. Bravo, Mr. James!

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An SF Classic

One of Robert Heinlein's best, "Moon" stands the test of time.
Still a "go to" book for me, the story and characters come alive in this 1999 recording.
A true SF classic in all respects. If you've never read Robert Heinlein, this is a great starting place.

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one of my favorite political science/SF novels

With the self-deprecating first person narrator and good science for its time that earmarks most Heinlein novels, this book takes us through an American independence style revolution on a lunar penal colony. The characters are engaging while questioning our basic political assumptions. The first time I read/listened to it, the main character's Russian diction and grammar was a distraction, but you get used to it. I thought the reader on this version was as good as the old Books on Tape version other than his French accent for Stuart.

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Heinlein tour de force.

Interesting story, characters, and ideas. I was pleased with this novel compared to the few other Heinlein novels I have read. I do not care for the little side stories (such as line marriage versus clan) which are distractions from the story for me (but may be enjoyable to other readers). Overall this is a clever and compelling book about a few million lunar residents who seek independent status from governments of Earth.

Lloyd James does a great job. I was impressed with his ability to switch from one voice to another throughout the novel. It helped tremendously with keeping the characters separate.

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Engaging story

Classic science fiction that explains basic governmental and societal concepts that many people do not consider. TANSTAAFL

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A classic from the master

Great book. Would recommend to any freedom lover. Great reader and interesting premise, from the man who defined a genre.

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One of Heinlein's best!

Loved it! Perhaps his best work. Have read it/heard it at least six times, and it gets better with each reading.

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