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shetef's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked this a lot, but would have a hard time recommending it to anyone who isn't interested in the history of sci-fi. Its influence on the genre is obvious, but this book has a lot of problems. I definitely understand why people accuse this book of endorsing fascism - whatever Heinlein's excuses are, this order of things is definitely presented as correct. The book also wears its masculinity on its sleeve - for good and for ill. Worth a read if only because so much military sci-fi in the years since are responding to this or influenced by it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and War
Moderate: Sexism
machewson's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Truly tremendous work of science fiction. Anti authoritarian if you are like me, but potentially pro military if you have a different world view. No matter what you come into the book thinking Heinlein does a masterful job of conveying the thoughts and feelings of a young boy becoming a soldier. Perfectly executed in every way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Violence, Police brutality, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Torture, Blood, Mass/school shootings, and Classism
Minor: Sexual violence
whatdoiknowjr's review against another edition
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Genocide, Gun violence, Xenophobia, and War
coolfijiwater's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
god this book sucked
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, and War
Moderate: Ableism, Death, and Genocide
ezraez's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Reminds me of Ayn Rand’s writing - the few exciting scenes are surrounded by ridiculous and obvious pontifications by the writer (in this case, on the benefits of a fascist society...). Wow I hated this - if you want a good time, just watch the movie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Misogyny, War, and Classism
Main through line is fascist propaganda.esmithumland's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
2.5
I understand why and how this book was important in the history of sci-fi and I would even call it well written but I kind of wish I hadn't read it. Man this guy had a lot of weird ideas about punishment, control, democracy, masculinity, and especially women. I didn't look enough into it to know if it's supposed to be a satire or commentary on the military, but I feel like now I don't have to read any real military biographies or history because this felt just like the real thing. Nothing new, important, or exciting here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Murder