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)

Engaging even in 2015!

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

Engaging story

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

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.

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.

Good story

not bad, but the narrators accent takes some getting used to. It's a good story though. I DID learn a few Russian words to boot!

The war between Earth and Moon.

This story is not only plausible and entertaining, it has few scientific holes. The Moon fights for independence from a tyrannical Earth. Not going to get a "spoiler ending" out of me. Read this book.