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The Moon is a Harsh Mistress

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1966

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Book Brief

Robert A. Heinlein

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1966
Book Details
Pages

382

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

Fantasy
Setting

Luna • 2070s

Theme
Space

Politics & Government

War
Publication Year

1966

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein follows a lunar colony of prisoners and their descendants who are overseen by a self-aware supercomputer named Mike. Technician Mannie Garcia O’Kelly-Davis teams up with Mike, agitator Whoy, and Professor Bernardo de la Paz to lead a revolution for lunar independence. The revolutionaries face various challenges, including conflicts with Earth, ultimately striving to achieve autonomy and a self-sustaining government. The novel includes themes of rebellion, oppression, and governance.

Suspenseful

Challenging

Inspirational

Adventurous

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.4

140,938 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Robert A. Heinlein's The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is widely celebrated for its imaginative and thought-provoking exploration of lunar colonization, rebellion, and libertarian ideals. Critics praise its innovative narrative and complex characters, particularly the sentient computer, Mike. However, some note that its dense political discourse and lengthy passages can be challenging. Overall, it remains a seminal work in science fiction.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Moon is a Harsh Mistress?

A reader who would enjoy The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein likely appreciates political intrigue, revolutionary themes, and hard science fiction. Similar to fans of George Orwell’s 1984 and Orson Scott Card’s Ender's Game, they seek intellectually stimulating narratives with complex societal dynamics.

4.4

140,938 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

382

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Science Fiction

Fantasy
Setting

Luna • 2070s

Theme
Space

Politics & Government

War
Publication Year

1966

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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