Stranger in a Strange Land

Grok: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grok

Not many writers, besides Shakespeare, create words that become an accepted part of the English Language. Robert Heinlein gave us ‘Grok’.

My favorite Heinlein novel and undoubtedly the most famous, I love “Stranger in a Strange Land” for its detail and look at Earth societies and religions from the point of view of ‘alien’ character Valentine Smith. It’s challenging to look at Earth and its problems while you are in the thick of being an Earthling, dealing with society’s detailed nuances and flaws every day. Valentine Smith gave us a glimpse into ourselves and the world we created. The Heinlein wit and audacity are always entertaining. Much like The Who’s rock opera “Tommy,” which came much later, we follow the ‘stranger’ raised on Mars by Martians after a failed human colonization mission and is returned to Earth. Valentine tries to make sense of his new world, then is compelled to change it by manipulating the masses via psychokinesis and other magical abilities. He creates his own church based on Martian language and philosophy, and convinces many to join him in an effort to save mankind from its self-destructing and authoritarian ways–only to be ‘crucified’ by the non-believers.

My only problem with the story is the reliance on Valentine’s ‘magical’ abilities (teleportation, returning from the dead) and the ever-more-occurring unbelievable plot points that cast Valentine as a Jesus-like figure. The detail into scientific theory, common in Heinlein novels, was ridiculously deep and, by many accounts, wandering and incorrect. Also, the free-sex concepts are overdone, but we forgive Mr. Heinlein as being a creature of a more prudish time and feeling the need to strike out against societal norms of sexuality.

All that said, “Stranger in a Strange Land” is a recognized classic of American literature, not just an interesting and ground-breaking sci-fi romp. It remains required reading for many reasons, not the least of which is Heinlein’s personality that comes bounding through the narrative and the character of Jubal Harshaw. Of course, the insightful look at our world through the eyes of an innocent alien is an effective device to express and explain the ills of political authoritarianism.

This novel influences many readers, and in my case, after thirty-five years, it compelled me to write a sci-fi novel dealing with modern-day Earth issues. I created a reversal of locale and plot driven by a strong female character who is very different than Valentine in attitude and deed. No Heinlein am I, but certainly I am a fan.

Always entertaining and insightful, “Stranger in a Strange Land” should be on your reading list, unless you already ‘Grok’ the concepts.

I have enjoyed this book and this author since it first came out. This author did have some different ideas so this book is an original tale.

One of SF’s best authors best works.

Arguably RAH’s best work. He explores many themes considered outrageous for the time it was written. An astute observation of society of the time. Grok was a top culture item in sci-fi nerd culture.

A human raised by martians comes back to earth, and learns about humans and changes his understanding

First read this when the original version came out. Loved it and wore the book out. Now have the extended edition and love it even more

One of the first sci-fi’s I ever read. Old style, makes you think, and a great read.

A classical Heinlein science fiction story, from the 1960s. In my youth, I found it one of the most thought provoking books I’d ever read.

To be honest, the best thing about this book is the title. It rolls of the tongue, the echo of the words conjuring expectations in my mind. It is unfortunate that the book doesn’t live up to the promise of the title.

I’ll give Heinlein credit for an imaginative concept. A human, raised on Mars, returned to Earth without realizing he is actually human. The Martian race, which can control their bodies through the minds, and can make objects and people which they consider dangerous simply disappear, …more
Notes Heinlein imagines a future world where the boundaries of society have expanded to include freer relationships, yet can’t stretch his imagination far enough to imagine a society where women aren’t the sole purveyors of housekeeping. Where men treat women as equals instead of sexual playthings or errant children to be spanked when they exhibit pertness.

You can’t go wrong with a book that started out with the premise, “What if there were a Martian named Smith?”

If you want a book that questions the standard mores for religion, sex, cannibalism, and interspecies communication, this novel will not only fit the bill, but leave you pondering what it mean to live, laugh, and most importantly love as a human being.