Sixth Column

De: Robert A. Heinlein

Narrado por: 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.

Great Story. Very fun listen

If you could sum up Sixth Column in three words, what would they be?

Classy Heinlein Story

Any additional comments?

This is the Heinlein I love. A great story written well with no preaching. After listening to Glory Road, which was not much more than another extremely preachy Heinlein book, I almost deleted this book without listening to it, but I'm so glad I didn't.

Dated, but thoughtful

As usual, Heinlein weaves a story of humanity, inhumanity and insight to take a journey through imagination and practicality. Excellent story with an engaged storyteller!

Not one of my favorites

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

If I had to do it over again, I might pass on this one. I just wasn't captured like I was with his other books. It was recommended to me by a friend, and that was reason enough to pick up the book. Heinlein does a great job of telling stories, but you can't expect someone to be into every story, can you?

Would you be willing to try another book from Robert A. Heinlein? Why or why not?

I've read other Heinlein books, which is why I was more apt to pick up this one. If I had started here, I might not have experienced some really great stories.

A Dystopian Story

The Pan Asians conquered the U.S. and a small band of scientists must overcome these forces.

It's not a bad story. it does have the Heinlein libertarian philosophy throughout. part philosophy, part action story.

But it's engaging and well read.

Outstanding Book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I thought that the plot was well developed and supported.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sixth Column?

When the priests confronted the Chinese police who were controlling the USA.

Have you listened to any of Tom Weiner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. He did a good job.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I appreciated the moment when the Major had to face being overwhelmed by the magnitude of his job.