Citizen of the Galaxy

By: Robert A. Heinlein

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

In a distant galaxy of colonized planets, the atrocity of slavery is alive and well. Young Thorby was just another bedraggled orphan boy sold at auction, but his new owner, Baslim, is not the disabled beggar he appears to be. Adopting Thorby as his son, Baslim fights relentlessly as an abolitionist spy. When the authorities close in on Baslim, Thorby must find his own way in a hostile galaxy. Joining with the Free Traders, a league of merchant princes, Thorby must find the courage to live by his wits and fight his way up from society's lowest rung. But Thorby's destiny will be forever changed when he discovers the truth about his own identity.

Citizen of the Galaxy is a suspenseful tale of adventure, coming of age, and interstellar conflict by science fiction's Grand Master.

©2003 The Robert A. and Virginia Heinlein Prize Trust (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Fun but not Heinlen's best

I'm a major Heinlein fan and while I did enjoy quite a bit about this one, it falls short of his true masterpieces like Moon is a Harsh Mistress. It starts out strong with our former slave protagonist hooking up with a wise mentor and eventually going on a series of space adventures which is all fun enough (and of course getting into all kinds of philosophical discussions about the nature of freedom and questioning traditional family structures). The story takes an odd turn when *spoilers ahead* the main character lands back on earth and has to battle for control of his parents corporation. The plot takes a sharp turn from scifi adventure to Wall Street and becomes all about corporate infighting which is not terrible but just not nearly as interesting as everything that preceeded it. So if you love Heinlein you'll probably like this well enough, but if your looking for a masterpiece, keep looking.

This has to be the 10th time I’ve listened to this book, gets better every time

Grover Gardner is probably the best narrator of all time, and to me Heinlein is one of the best authors. I would say that this is one of my absolute favorite books, definitely my #1 audio book (world war z is better in print than audio I think). Get this and listen to it, it’s short and sweet and will make you smile and cry. I love it!

nice

I like Heinelin's endings they kinda make me think about what I would do next I'd I were the main character.

Probably my favorite sci-fi story

Tho I was able to guess where this story was going it was amazing Journey

Outstanding performance

Grover brings to life one of my first favorite books by RAH. Loved reliving it through his interpretation. Long live Baslim the cripple.