• The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

  • By: Robert A. Heinlein
  • Narrated by: Lloyd James
  • Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (10,796 ratings)

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The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress  By  cover art

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

By: Robert A. Heinlein
Narrated by: Lloyd James
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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)

Featured Article: The Most Stellar Sci-Fi Authors of All Time


Science fiction is a genre as diverse as you can imagine. There are stories that take place in deep space, often depicting teams exploring or running away from something; stories that focus on life at the most cellular level, such as a pandemic tale; and stories that take place in times that feel similar to our own. Depicting themes of existentialism, philosophy, hubris, and personal and historical trauma, sci-fi has a cadre of topics and moods.

What listeners say about The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

Average customer ratings
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A true work of art.

Lloyd James absolutely brings this book to life in an amazing effort that takes a great book and makes it art. The characters come to life and become distinct. Heinlein's best work-- a story I have revisited several times.

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"Fantastic"

Lloyd James narration is flawless, absolutely amazing and entertaining,...a definite must experience...you can bet I will be looking for other titles narrated by Lloyd James, his performance adds true dimension to the title which I've read years earlier...gotta love audible.

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Great read

Loved the exploration of growing intelligence in machines, humor, and friendship.

Narrator was SO talented. Very impressed with both story and performance - would recommend.

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First Heinlein

Treatment of female characters is a little dated, but overall a well written, thoroughly enjoyable story and great performance. Highly recommend a listen.

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Great story, amazing narrator

I read numerous Heinlen novels as
a teen and loved his stories and his style. Special mention to narrator Lloyd James. He was fantastic and I will be looking for other audiobooks he's done. Try it you'll like it.

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Say hello to Siri & Alexa's grandchild Mike!

Great story...especially now. Political conclusions??? Government is necessary even if it is bad, maybe. Computers are as good as the people that program them.

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I read a lot of Heinlein

I missed this one before Audiobooks.
The narration was suberb and the story was creative.
The main character was engaging and I loved the anarchic philosophy of the Prof.

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great

an excellent read narration was ok, but you can not go wrong with Robert Heinlein

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Great story

Great story and interesting and interesting performance of an old style sci-fi story. Overall a great story.

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Excellent Narration

The narrator really brings this story to life and does a great job with Manny's way of speaking. Very enjoyable.

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