Sixth Column

By: Robert A. Heinlein

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

It’s six against six million in a brilliantly waged near-future war for nothing less than liberty and justice for all. The totalitarian East has triumphed in a massive invasion, and the United States has fallen to a dictatorial superpower bent on total domination. That power is consolidating its grip through concentration camps, police state tactics, and a total monopoly upon the very thoughts of the conquered populace. A tiny enclave of scientists and soldiers survives, unbeknownst to America’s new rulers. It’s six against six million - but those six happen to include a scientific genius, a master of subterfuge and disguise who learned his trade as a lawyer-turned-hobo, and a tough-minded commander who knows how to get the best out of his ragtag assortment of American discontents, wily operators, and geniuses. It’s going to take technological savvy and a propaganda campaign that would leave Madison Avenue aghast, but the US will rise again. The counterinsurgency for freedom is on, and defeat is not an option.

Robert A. Heinlein (1907–1988) was born in Missouri. He served five years in the US Navy, then attended graduate classes in mathematics and physics at UCLA, took a variety of jobs, and owned a silver mine before beginning to write science fiction in 1939. His novels have won the Hugo Award, and in 1975 he received the first Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement.

©1949 Robert A. Heinlein (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

great read

One of my favorites. Not a lick of reality but fun anyway. As with any Heinlein book character are believable and have something to say.

Magnificent Story

This tale is still a thriller even after 60+ years. With the rising Chinese threat, it is a lesson to be heeded.

Fave Author - problemmatic book

This has Heinlein's trademark voice, obvious but not heavy-handed patriotism, decent characterizations (all male, in this case - womenfolk are all off screen), a sprinkle of political philosophy. The technology and military strategies are engaging. But, WOW. This is one hellaciously racist story. Whew! Product of its time. Narration was good for the most part. He did make one character vocal choice - a heavy, low voice for Thomas that seems strangled. Hurt my throat just listening to it

The racism is intentional

During times of war, combatants call the enemy all sorts of derogatory names. This book reflects the baseness of men at war hating the other side.

Tight and engaging

Fascinating story that Heinlein started during wwii, understanding NS had no future, would lose, and the real threat would still be global communism. And that this was not even enough to combat the racial resentment of china. Nonsense science but internally consistent, with plucky and engaging dialogue. A quick and fun listen.