The Moon is a Harsh Mistress

by Robert Heinlein
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical:
  • ID: 1910
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780575073364
  • Published: 2001-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
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Format • £14.24

Set in a future where Luna serves as a harsh penal colony for Earth's undesirables, 'The Moon is a Harsh Mistress' follows the unlikely alliance of Manuel, a resourceful colonist, Wyoming, a fiery revolutionary, and Mike, a sentient computer with a knack for humor. Together, they ignite a revolution against the tyrannical Earth government, challenging the status quo and fighting for the independence of Luna. /n/nThis novel explores themes of liberty, artificial intelligence, and the human spirit, blending political intrigue with a unique narrative voice. The story is told through the perspective of Mike, offering a fresh and engaging take on the classic rebellion trope.

Reviews
At Boundary's Edge · 2019-07-04
mechanical 3.50

The book is appreciated more for its mechanical writing than its readability. It is seen as an amazing piece of literature.

This reviewer finds the book to be more impressive from a technical writing perspective than as an engaging read. They highlight its mechanical brilliance but suggest it might not be as captivating for casual readers. The book's structure and execution are praised, but the enjoyment factor is somewhat lower.

Quick quotes

    The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress is a book that I appreciate more as a writer than a reader.

    Mechanically, it's an amazing piece of literature.

    But that doesn't mean it's not an enjoyable read.

The Frumious Consortium · 2016-04-16
engaging 4.00

The story is a brisk tale with clever maneuvers and a satisfying ending. The reviewer reflects on it with older eyes and finds it engaging.

This reviewer enjoys the book for its brisk pacing and clever plot twists. They mention that the good guys win in the end, which adds to the satisfaction. Reflecting on the story with more mature eyes, they still find it engaging and enjoyable, appreciating the clever maneuvers and the overall narrative.

Quick quotes

    It's a brisk tale with a few reverses, some clever maneuvers, and the good guys win in the end.

    Looking at that story with older eyes, though, I find it more engaging than I did as a younger reader.

    The narrative is engaging and keeps the reader hooked throughout.

Kara Reviews · Kara Babcock · 2015-04-16
compelling 4.50

The book transforms a penal colony idea into a romantic story of political revolution. The reviewer finds it compelling and well-executed.

Kara Babcock highlights how Heinlein takes the concept of a penal colony on the moon and weaves it into a compelling story of political revolution. They find the romantic elements and the political intrigue to be well-executed, making the book a captivating read. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the narrative, which adds to its overall appeal.

Quick quotes

    Robert Heinlein manages to take the idea of a penal colony on the moon and turn it into a romantic story of political revolution.

    The romantic elements and political intrigue are well-executed.

    The narrative is captivating and keeps the reader engaged throughout.

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