Sixth Column

By: Robert A. Heinlein

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

It’s six against six million in a brilliantly waged near-future war for nothing less than liberty and justice for all. The totalitarian East has triumphed in a massive invasion, and the United States has fallen to a dictatorial superpower bent on total domination. That power is consolidating its grip through concentration camps, police state tactics, and a total monopoly upon the very thoughts of the conquered populace. A tiny enclave of scientists and soldiers survives, unbeknownst to America’s new rulers. It’s six against six million - but those six happen to include a scientific genius, a master of subterfuge and disguise who learned his trade as a lawyer-turned-hobo, and a tough-minded commander who knows how to get the best out of his ragtag assortment of American discontents, wily operators, and geniuses. It’s going to take technological savvy and a propaganda campaign that would leave Madison Avenue aghast, but the US will rise again. The counterinsurgency for freedom is on, and defeat is not an option.

Robert A. Heinlein (1907–1988) was born in Missouri. He served five years in the US Navy, then attended graduate classes in mathematics and physics at UCLA, took a variety of jobs, and owned a silver mine before beginning to write science fiction in 1939. His novels have won the Hugo Award, and in 1975 he received the first Grand Master Award for lifetime achievement.

©1949 Robert A. Heinlein (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

great read

One of my favorites. Not a lick of reality but fun anyway. As with any Heinlein book character are believable and have something to say.

The racism is intentional

During times of war, combatants call the enemy all sorts of derogatory names. This book reflects the baseness of men at war hating the other side.

Fave Author - problemmatic book

This has Heinlein's trademark voice, obvious but not heavy-handed patriotism, decent characterizations (all male, in this case - womenfolk are all off screen), a sprinkle of political philosophy. The technology and military strategies are engaging. But, WOW. This is one hellaciously racist story. Whew! Product of its time. Narration was good for the most part. He did make one character vocal choice - a heavy, low voice for Thomas that seems strangled. Hurt my throat just listening to it

Childhood favorite

I first read this book when I was a teenager. I finally decided to give it another go. Even though the underlying "history" has passed it by, I have to admit that I enjoyed it every bit as much as I did the first time. There's just something about the way Heinlein put words together to tell stories that made those stories timeless. He's one of the few writers from my childhood that I truly miss as a septagenarian.

Bit Rough -- An Early Heinlein Book

This is a very early book by Heinlein and it lacks the smoothness and complexity of his later works. The Red Dawn-type plot is pretty straightforward: The Pan-Asians have conquered the US. A small secret remnant of US soldiers remain. This handful of the military faithful (all male) includes a few scientists, an ex-lawyer who is now in command and a resourceful ex-hobo. Employing the guise of an over-the-top fake religion (the Cult of Mota) and few super-scientific weapons they endeavor to take their country back from the Imperial tyranny. There is some humor here, but the book is very much a product of its grim Cold War mythos. Not a pleasant read for the racially sensitive or politically correct. Very traditional pro-military outlook. Readers unfamiliar with Heinlein should definitely not start with this one -- try The Moon is a Harsh Mistress or Stranger in a Strange Land instead. Those are much better books. No complaints about the reader who does his best with what he has to work with.

Some Heinlein just doesn't age well

I grew up reading Robert Heinlein and enjoyed everything of his that I ever read. Somehow this slipped past me and this is the first time I've read this one. So, with the soft glow of youthful memories not present to cushion my reading experience, I was smacked in the face with his racism, sexism, and xenophobia. Fifty or sixty years ago, when I was discovering his worlds for the first time, that was pretty much what all of America was like. Boy have things changed! (For another good example of social changes, read one of the original Bobsey Twins books, not the ones rewritten in the sixties and seventies, one of the originals from the first half of the twentieth century).

This was not one of his best to begin with. That's probably why this is my first encounter with this book. Do not let this be your first Heinlein book. The Moon is a Harsh Mistress has stood the test of time better than some others (Stranger in a Strange Land). Start there and let this one Rest In Peace.

Classic Heinlein feel

Great Heinlein feel with a sprinkle of red dawn and a dash of Puppet masters setting. Definitely a must for fans of scifi in general or just Heinlein.

Really?

Is there anything you would change about this book?

the storyline

Which character – as performed by Tom Weiner – was your favorite?

none

Any additional comments?

If you're into books like Stephen King's "The Stand" or J Cronin's "Passage" or "The Twelve".. then don't waste your time... this book pales in comparison.. weak story line.. pitiful ending.. there is not depth to this book. I wish I hadn't wasted a credit on it...

Read at Your Peril

This book is about a "yellow race" conquering the USA and the fight that ensues. It was written in 1949 and reflects the attitudes and perspectives of the time--just four years ago, the war against Japan had been won. The North Koreans are about to invade South Korea. One cannot judge a work of that era by today's morals. The author is considered one of the best sci-fi writers and in this book, he predicted several events and other things that have come true or are not yet solved, like curing cancer. The plot involves a group of dedicated Americans who turn back the hoard using cultural blind spots as cover. Why not? Without context, I would have rejected this book, but because of it, maybe I'll read more Heinlein.

Disconcerting and thought provoking

The story concept and sci fi elements I liked. The mutual disdain and blatant racism between master race and enslaved race were so disconcerting that they pushed me out of the story and into my own thoughts. Though I expected it to be so, it is not simple juvenile literature.