Orphans of the Sky

Heinlein's concept of a group of Earthlings hurtling through space on a giant spaceship but not realizing it is a spaceship has been "borrowed" by many other writers. This is the brilliantly-written original. It was the basis for radio shows on "X Minus One" and "Dimension X." It was the conceptual parent of "For the World is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky" on the original Star Trek series and, more recently, "City of Ember." Great narration. I highly recommend this.

Originally published in two parts, Orphans of the Sky is a brilliant treatment of the concept of a multi-generational interstellar voyage (or "generation ship"). Or, at least the first half is.

In the first part, "Universe," we meet a mostly agrarian society living in the lower decks of The Ship. The civilized Crew (led by the elite Scientists and headed by the Captain) live in the lower (outer) decks where gravity is strongest; the upper (inner) decks are where where gravity is light and the Muties (mutant descendants of the original mutineers) rule.

This is a journey gone wrong...a mutiny shortly after take-off disrupted the ship's society, and after many generations, the crew has forgotten they live on a spaceship...they think of the Ship as being the whole of the Universe. A young scientist, Hugh, learns more when he is captured by the Muties.

"Universe" has been hailed as one of the best and most-important sci-fi novellas ever. It is the first instance of a "generation ship" concept, an idea which has been copied many times. I'm not a particular fan of Robert Heinlein, but this one is great.

I have less good things to say about "Common Sense," the second half of the book. Hugh, now armed with the truth and a cohort of brutal Muties tries to convince the Scientists and Crew about the true nature of the ship, and that they should steer it to its destination. "Universe" was a seminal, ground-breaking work. "Common Sense" finished up the story (if it needed finishing), but I find it particularly unsatisfying.

This is the second audiobook narrated by Eric Michael Summerer that I've heard, and he remains a capable and effective narrator.

This is a classic Heinlein science fiction novel about a generation ship transiting the stars, the descendants of whose crew have lost knowledge about their mission or the truth about their world. This is not an original idea but this early book may have been the first to explore it. The protagonist finds out the truth and struggles to convince others, including the power-hungry captain.

The book is fast-paced and easy to listen to. The narration is of good quality. Despite the age of the book there are few scientific or technological faux pas. The end, when it comes, seems sudden and slightly contrived. Still, it was a good and enjoyable read and a great first Heinlein for me!

good to listen to and well presented this was easy on the ear and allowed me the same comprihension I had when I was reading the written word it made no adjustments to my enjoyment love the storey and enjoyed listening to it , and in this mondern age it can present an interesting cenario for our future .

This is an early example of an SF classic, and for that reason alone is worth a listen. The theme is that of a group of people on a Generation Starship, who do not realize that they are in an enclosed metal vessel, nor do they know where they are headed. It is an intriguing concept, although it has been done better by other writers (particularly Brian Aldiss) as this story tends to peter out anti-climactically towards the end.end. The reader did a satisfactory job of narration.

The story moves along perhaps a little too quickly in places and might have been better with some longer explanations, but still an entertaining listen.

Robert Heinlein has never been one of my favourite writers, but I would rate this short novel as one of his best

I really enjoyed this audio version of one of my favorite Robert Heinlein books. It is one that I will listen to over and over again. I enjoyed the story and the narration, and I recommend it to all.

This book impressed me. The idea of a massive ship designed to carry generations of humans and the dystopian society that occurs when it's descendants have forgotten the ship's original purpose is a truly original and fantastic setting ahead of it's time. Eric Michael Summerer's reading was superb. He gave personality and tone to each character.

Anyone who likes Heinlein's work should enjoy this story. It's not one of my favorites, but it _is_ Heinlein and that is always worth a read/listen.

This tale deals with throwing off the myths and stories of youth and taking healthy skepticism in appropriate directions.

I'm familiar with the reader from his work on The Dice Tower podcast but this was my first encounter with his professional life. I was very pleased with the variety of voices he used. He captured the flavor of Heinlein's work very successfully, making the story flow effortlessly.

yes i would it was a bit difficult to understand at first but at the heart of the story was a really nice story different species working together for survival i liked it especialy when they were getting to know and understand each other.

its a hit or miss type book i got a good deal for it so i gave it a try it could have been better but i enjoyed i definatly say try it and formulate your own opinion.

he did a great job

has a great concept but no i dont imagine many people are interested in this story becoming a movie or show