~post by Marie
Upon its initial release in 1961, Robert A. Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land was met with division. There were those who called it drivel, and those who touted it as “the best science-fiction novel ever written!” It brought to us such linguistic gems as “groking” and “I am but an egg”, and formed a following almost as devout as the followers of the Church of All Worlds, looking to their leader Valentine Michael Smith. Many critics, including the New York Times’ Orville Prescott in his original review of the book, had only the most scathing and pithy words for Heinlein’s thought provoking story about a man who was raised on Mars and comes to Earth.
In a time not too distant from now, humans have sent a mission of astronauts to Mars. Before completing the mission, something happens and they are never heard from again. A short 21 years later, another mission of astronauts is sent to Mars. They return, and bring back with them a man. Valentine Michael Smith, the Man from Mars, is indeed a stranger in a strange land. He has been raised by the Martians, and in coming to Earth he suffers the most profound and absolute culture shock ever. Every facet of humanity is counter intuitive, and much of the first part of the book is Mike making small steps towards absorbing the perceived absurdity that defines the actions of his human companions. This story Heinlein tells us is a long and vivid yarn of what might happen if someone from Mars came to Earth: what would they think? How would they relate? Would we seem barbaric, or would we stand out as cultured and a beneficial force of good in the Universe? What would happen to him in the end?
Much of what Heinlein has to say doesn’t look very good for the human race. Perhaps that is one of the main reasons the book received some heavy criticism. Humans are not painted in a favorable light. The humans of Heinlein’s Earth are narrow-minded, brutal, garish, misguided and ultimately hopeless. Heinlein makes it obvious what his stance is (i.e. controversial) on many touchy subjects ranging from polyamory, religion, general politics, moral and ethical dilemmas, commerce, and fear of death, all through the ignorant yet genuinely wholesome eyes and heart of Valentine Michael Smith. Mike’s guardian and mentor Jubal Hershaw is Heinlein’s soap box, and throughout the story Jubal goes on several lengthy and somewhat pessimistic tirades about the flaws of humanity, the shortcomings of religion, use of power, the concept of God, and various other provocative topics.
However, we could argue that it is these same issues that many others found so compelling, which lead them to champion this book, and rocket it to the New York Times bestsellers list in 1961, something unheard of for a science-fiction novel at the time. It still retains a faithful following today, and has garnered the 88th position on the Library of Congress’s “Books that Shaped America” as of 2012, and continually shows up on lists of best science fiction novels.
Mike is a mirror for society, and no one likes to be shown how ugly they can seem. Although Heinlein was right about a lot of things that he spells out in his book, there are some themes that seem very dated and irrelevant to us now. Perhaps it is a sign that we can change, and that we can benefit from the introspection that comes from seeing such a vivid reflection of some of our less-endearing traits. Not all of what Heinlein portrays of humanity is negative though. Among us there are still those who have a capacity for love and acceptance, open minds and open hearts. If you think orgies, communal living, social and political reform, genuine love, telepathy, groking and levitation are lame, then this book is not for you. It certainly isn’t for everyone. But if you have a desire to consider and think on some of the ideas Heinlein posits for us in this book, it is an entertaining way to go about it.
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This is one of those books that I thought was Brilliant when I read it, but I have looked at it less favorably upon reflection. it is a great premise for a book, but as you stated, it is dated. He seemed to be trying to justify a specific lifestyle by contrasting it against the worst aspects and excesses of humanity. science has given us a very materialistic view of life, where we see existence as random chemical reactions and physical reactions between atoms, and this book is a great example of the need to try to find some sort of belief system to make life more about living rather than just existence. In that respect, the book fails because the authors pessimism will not see the whole picture of humanity.
This was definitely a strange book. However, it had some very interesting insights into society.
This book was not at all what I was expecting when I finally read it, after years of seeing it on many lists of “must read” science-fiction novels. It’s definitely does make you think about various aspects of our society good and bad. You’re right when you say it’s not for everyone especially with so many in our culture so easily offended by just about anything.
When I first picked up this book one a table in one of my college hallways, I was struck by the need to read it. It had always been one of those books drifting about the back of my mind and that was the first time I had my hands on it. I read it quickly, ignoring the deterioration of the pages I had read. (By the time I finished it was a cover and a stack of pages) But it was a book that made me think and analyze the world around me more than I already do. Part of me loved it, and part of me wants to read it again to more deeply understand some of its meaning. Honestly, it doesn’t matter if I agree with every idea Heilein presents, I like that he makes you question our society whether it be good or bad.
Good words on a good book.