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curtisb's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
asimgasimzade's review against another edition
3.0
I heard that Heinlein is a "hit-or-miss" author, this must be one of the misses. Probably it isn't the best book to get introduced to the author. There were some ideas that gripped my attention, especially at the first half where we followed the few characters from Howard families.
The second half of the book that contains a haphazard random space adventure, is a complete change of pace from the first part with years of time being passed between every chapter.
I felt that the world was poorly built and characters lacked motivation and development (I didn't even remember the names of the characters as I read, except the main one).
Another frustrating thing is the lengthy descriptions of made up science using pseudo-scientific mumbo -jumbo. Heinlein does it very often throughout the book.
And don't even get me started on the ideology being promoted here.
Overall, it is a book with a few good ideas, cardboard characters, and a plot that doesn't make a lot of sense, that aged very badly.
The second half of the book that contains a haphazard random space adventure, is a complete change of pace from the first part with years of time being passed between every chapter.
I felt that the world was poorly built and characters lacked motivation and development (I didn't even remember the names of the characters as I read, except the main one).
Another frustrating thing is the lengthy descriptions of made up science using pseudo-scientific mumbo -jumbo. Heinlein does it very often throughout the book.
And don't even get me started on the ideology being promoted here.
Overall, it is a book with a few good ideas, cardboard characters, and a plot that doesn't make a lot of sense, that aged very badly.
rpbperry's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It’s classic SF. If you can separate RAH’s viewpoints in your own mind, it’s not a bad read.
cassie_grace's review against another edition
4.0
Loved it. An old fashioned space adventure.
If I had to put on my critic hat and find something to complain about I would talk about how the book starts with a female narrator and protagonist who gets sidelined as soon as LAZARUS LONG, THE OLDEST MAN shows up.
But I enjoyed the book too much to get worked up about it.
If I had to put on my critic hat and find something to complain about I would talk about how the book starts with a female narrator and protagonist who gets sidelined as soon as LAZARUS LONG, THE OLDEST MAN shows up.
But I enjoyed the book too much to get worked up about it.
loonyboi's review
3.0
Not great, by Heinlein standards but it was also originally serialized very early in his career. It's meandering, and doesn't really find its footing until late in the story. But it's not bad. Enough for me to want to continue on with [book:Time Enough for Love|353], which I hear is much better.
serialreader's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
milenabates's review against another edition
1.0
Well, I'm not really sure where to begin with this. This is my first Heinlein. Thought I should give it a shot. I didn't even like fantasy or sci-fi until maybe ten years ago when I found what I liked. I did like Brave New World but I read that before my taste and personal philosophy evolved. I'm pretty sure I would still like it a lot better than this.
There are many elements of this that are entertaining and even thought provoking. A few elements of the world building are so well thought out, they make the ridiculous naive and dear I say lazy ones (please don't shoot) stand out even more. But some maddeningly talented writers can get away with ridiculous things and make them work (Gaiman, anyone?).
From the reviews, people like Lazarus Long as a character. I found him obnoxious. It's like John Wayne walked into Star Trek (wearing a kilt). No, thanks. No character development anywhere.
There are parts that read like thinly veiled racism. On the other hand, the ableism is not even a little bit veiled. I know I know I know it was published in the 40s when some of the slurs were medical terms. It's not just the language. The fact that eugenics was presented as a positive is highly problematic (understatement). The way disabled people were written is pretty much sickening. If this doesn't feel wrong, maybe ask why and read some books written by disabled people.
I would have given it two stars if it weren't for the latter issue. As it is, one is all I have left for it. I'm glad Heinlein inspired a lot of writers. His books are not for me.
There are many elements of this that are entertaining and even thought provoking. A few elements of the world building are so well thought out, they make the ridiculous naive and dear I say lazy ones (please don't shoot) stand out even more. But some maddeningly talented writers can get away with ridiculous things and make them work (Gaiman, anyone?).
From the reviews, people like Lazarus Long as a character. I found him obnoxious. It's like John Wayne walked into Star Trek (wearing a kilt). No, thanks. No character development anywhere.
There are parts that read like thinly veiled racism. On the other hand, the ableism is not even a little bit veiled. I know I know I know it was published in the 40s when some of the slurs were medical terms. It's not just the language. The fact that eugenics was presented as a positive is highly problematic (understatement). The way disabled people were written is pretty much sickening. If this doesn't feel wrong, maybe ask why and read some books written by disabled people.
I would have given it two stars if it weren't for the latter issue. As it is, one is all I have left for it. I'm glad Heinlein inspired a lot of writers. His books are not for me.