I just finished reading Heinlein's classic sci-fi novel Stranger in a Strange Land. Such a class, I felt I had to read it. Well, I can see why it was a classic, it certainly has a story that would become an occasional sci-fi device: a visiting "alien" sees humans from an outsider perspective. Interesting. But actually, not that interesting, when you get down to it.
There are a few problems: Heinlein's dialog is way too snappy. No one talks like that. And the female characters are basically just there to look pretty and exchange this snappy playful dialogue with the male characters. I suppose it is a product of it's times, and probably was progressive then - at least in most ways. It is totally misogynist, though. And the last third of the book is just creepy, with the hero acting as cult leader, and killing scores of people without a second thought.
Did I mention that there were some scenes in heaven in this book? Well, there are. What the hell was that about?
Posted by ahyatt at December 19, 2004 12:27 PM