Robert A. Heinlein was the most influential science fiction writer of his era, an influence so large that, as Samuel R. Delany notes, “modern critics attempting to wrestle with that influence find themselves dealing with an object rather like the sky or an ocean.” He won the Hugo Award for best novel four times, a record that still stands. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress was the last of these … Hugo-winning novels, and it is widely considered his finest work.
It is a tale of revolution, of the rebellion of the former Lunar penal colony against the Lunar Authority that controls it from Earth. It is the tale of the disparate people–a computer technician, a vigorous young female agitator, and an elderly academic–who become the rebel movement’s leaders. And it is the story of Mike, the supercomputer whose sentience is known only to this inner circle, and who for reasons of his own is committed to the revolution’s ultimate success.
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is one of the high points of modern science fiction, a novel bursting with politics, humanity, passion, innovative technical speculation, and a firm belief in the pursuit of human freedom.
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is the winner of the 1967 Hugo Award for Best Novel.
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one of the ten best books ever written
A great book from a master storyteller
One of the best SF/revolution/Future History novels written. RAH at his best.
This is my favorite from the master
I first read this when in eighth grade and last read it in tenth grade, 47 years ago. I can still say while not fumy always, it is good always. (Read the book to understand the reference)
Growing up, Robert Heinlein was one of my favorite authors. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress was one of my favorite Heinlein novels. Recently I decided to reread it to see how it stood the test of time. The short answer is, better than I expected. And it was surprising what worked and what did not work for me. I had no problem with the “science”. The basic plot was fine. Even all the standard Heinlein-isms, i.e., the older male mentor, the younger “competent” male, the poorly disguised info-dumps – worked. “Mike”, the AI was surprisingly well done. The end of the story was more touching than I remembered. What bugged me was the “loonie” society he created. Maybe the problem is I think Libertarianism is silly and Loonie society (the lack of laws/government, ad hoc judgment, the shortage of women resulting in women getting *more* power, etc.) reads like a Libertarian thought experiment. A very implausible thought experiment for a civilization with approximately 3 million people comprised of political and criminal exiles and their progeny… Anyway, if you are not put off by the social science fiction, its a darn good story.
Has always been a staple for any hard core SCI-FI reader.
Always loved this book
While I was growing up, Heinlein was my favorite author and this was my favorite book. I’m not anyone you should listen to. This isn’t a spoiler because it’s in the first chapter — there’s a discussion of humor and the difference between things that are always funny and funny only once. This bit of insight has served me well. And it’s not even a plot point.
Heinlein is the master sci-fi author and this shows how versatile he is
Heinlein is the master!
Like much of Heinlein’s work, the story wears well, but the political philosophy does not stand up to adult realism. Nevertheless, deserves to be read again.
Heinlein is one of the best authors ever.
My favorite Heinlein book and that means my all time favorite book. This book should be required reading in American schools. Unfortunately it will never happen as the ideas of personal freedom and responsibility it showcases aremuch too revolutionary for current American political thought. The book also offers insights into Artificial Intelligence and Kinetic weapons. All this wrapped up in a well told story of great characters in a fight for their life.
Once easing into russian influenced grammer much enjoyment to be had. Dispite odd syntax prehaps masters best novel and greatest achievement in creation of dinkum thinkum Mike.
One of the best of author’s political philosophy books. I’d rank it slightly ahead of Starship Troopers
I have loved this book since I first read it in middle school and have re-read it several times since. I have also loaned it to numerous people telling them they will cry at they end – and then wonder why they were. They were skeptical, but after they finished all said OMG, you were right!
One of his best – and all are terrific.
Perhaps Heinlein’s best. A modern revolution with a whimsical AI and a wonderfully realized future that hangs together well.
Truly thought provoking on many levels. Worth reading over and over again.
The forms of family in the book seem to exist in places known only by professional anthropologists; Most of my family finds them ridiculously immoral and simply unbelievable, to the point that they find the book unreadable.
The mechanics of the interplanetary war are a classic (literally; It’s referred-to in war colleges) of world-building.
The mechanics of the revolution are truly interesting; The author invents several new, superior forms of the revolutionary cell system.
I love the portrayal of an accidental AI. It’s truly a crucial character. It’s unlikely, of course, but just barely possible.
The action sequences (there are a few) are brutally realistic, tasteful, with a realistic portrayal of grief.
The diplomacy seems unlikely, to my limited knowledge of diplomacy. However, the diplomatic failure is necessary, and does establish the war as a just war.