51 pages 1 hour read

Robert A. Heinlein

Stranger in a Strange Land

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1961

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein, Valentine Michael Smith, a human raised by Martians, returns to Earth and faces cultural clashes, political intrigue, and social challenges. He learns about humanity while forming deep bonds, eventually founding a new religion that promotes love and spiritual enlightenment, leading to tension with established institutions. The novel contains outdated depictions of gender roles.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein is lauded for its innovative storytelling and provocative ideas about society, religion, and humanity. Critics praise its profound philosophical questions and unique character development. However, some find the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read that challenges conventional norms.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Stranger in a Strange Land?

Readers who relish thought-provoking science fiction will enjoy Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein. Fans of Dune by Frank Herbert and 1984 by George Orwell, who appreciate complex social commentary and themes of human nature, will find this book captivating.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Fantasy

Philosophy

Topics

Philosophy

Religion / Spirituality

Period

Cold War

Themes

Life/Time: The Future

Relationships: Friendship

Natural World: Space & The Universe