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The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

Robert A. Heinlein

Start date: November 1, 2021

Finish date: November 30, 2021

Discussion: Group Reads

Why we're reading this: November 2021 Completist Book Selection
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What Members Thought

Feb 04, 2022 Matthew rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: completist-book-club, audio, sci-fi, library, classic, 2021

“Seems to be a deep instinct in human beings for making everything compulsory that isn't forbidden.”

Politics and space . . . not a surprise when reading Heinlein. With his writing will always be some very interesting sci-fi space travel, action, etc., but the political allegory is also always there. And, while some authors hide the point they are making under the story, I feel like Heinlein unapologetically puts his right on the surface. Sometimes this has not worked for me (I was not a huge fan ...more

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Nov 23, 2021 Eileen rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2021-ng-group-challenge, science-fiction, 2021, audiobook, 2021genrechallenge, classics

3.5 stars

This book probably deserves more stars, but it was way more political, philosophical, and governmental in nature than what I was expecting. And I realize politics and government are important, but I've always had trouble with maintaining my interest when it comes to government and politics. Still, I have to remember that this book was written in the 60s and there is much in this book that would have been considered polarizing to write about and while this is my first book by Heinlein, i ...more

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Oct 22, 2014 Valerie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: z-2014sffchallenge, sf-f-bookclub

I am not always a fan of scifi written before the 80's, so I was a bit hesitant about this one as a group read for a book club. Finally, I put aside my preconceived notions and decided to give it a go. I am so glad that I did. This was a wonderful book, despite the technical and social stamp from the era in which it was written.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress follows the trials and tribulations of Mannie, a simple computer tech who is a native Lunar. He finds himself getting himself and his best fr I am not always a fan of scifi written before the 80's, so I was a bit hesitant about this one as a group read for a book club. Finally, I put aside my preconceived notions and decided to give it a go. I am so glad that I did. This was a wonderful book, despite the technical and social stamp from the era in which it was written.

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress follows the trials and tribulations of Mannie, a simple computer tech who is a native Lunar. He finds himself getting himself and his best friend drawn right into the middle of an effort to free Luna from Earth's oppression and exploitation. Oh, by the way, his best friend Mike is a computer whose AI has taken a turn toward self awareness.

The most interesting aspect to this book is the socio-political climate established by Heinlein. In some ways, he has pulled in historic cultural overtones, especially given the colonized nature of Luna at the start of the book. Luna got started much in the way of Australia, as a penal colony where people became free but not citizens upon their completion of time served or their birth.

One of the most interesting cultural twists depicted upon Luna was the role of women. It was an interesting blend of empowerment, yet not quite equality. I think that Heinlein intended for more of a perception of equality, but I think he had difficulty divorcing the story from gender roles of the time. On the other hand, while still filling typical gender roles for women, their status was also elevated due to the imbalance in the ratio of men to women. I like how Heinlein turned this imbalance into a form of cultural reverence in which attempts to limit a woman's choice were seen as one of the highest taboos.

From this same gender imbalance, we also see Heinlein portray a very intriguing concept of functional polygamy. As he describes it, it makes total sense to have a communal spirit of marriage, whereby the children have a rock solid foundation in which to thrive. I think his concept of two-way polygamy with multiple spouses of both genders depicts a way to off-set power imbalances that are perceived in this type of relationship. It definitely makes one think about the nature of relationships to be sure.

Finally, there is the political side to the story. There was so much complexity to this aspect of the story. There were moral angles everywhere as well as varied political strategies. I absolutely loved how Heinlein allowed each character to play their particular political strength: the Prof's diplomacy, Mannie's direct get-it-done approach, and Wyoh's inspirational dedication to freedom. Then, there was Mike. Mike was such a vivid character. I fell in love with him from the very first when he asked Mannie to help him learn the human subtleties of humor.

I would say that despite its age, this book is a winner for fans of scifi. I would even go further to recommend the book to less nerdy fans of political intrigue. This is definitely a classic in my book. ...more

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Nov 29, 2012 Janet rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I had a hard time rating this book. I did not like the first section of the book at all. However, The discussion of political philosophy and strategy in the last two sections made this a worthwhile read. While I don't agree with everything it is good to stretch the mind to new viewpoints. ...more

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Mar 04, 2020 Naga Sravika Bodapati rated it it was amazing

Shelves: classics, sci-fi, awesome-loved

Rating 5/5
Genre: science fiction, humor, war
Loved the book/story so much! It is a absolute thriller - of how AI aids humans in overthrowing humans - lol, duh! - does this mean it is anti-human or pro-human??

Instead of humans fighting off extraterrestrial aliens like we see in most movies/books, in this story they are fighting off fellow humans from Moon. In the year 2075 Moon(Luna) is populated with families and descendants of prisoners shipped from earth(Terra) for over a century. Federated Na ...more

1 like · Like · see review