zworlund's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: War, Violence, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Racial slurs, Death, Xenophobia, Misogyny, and Sexual content
gabriella_'s review against another edition
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Some of this aged like milk. The “don’t tread on me” flag stuff? The rape apologia? Miss me with that. I only read this because it inspired the David Bowie film The Man Who Fell to Earth but it lacked that charm. Some of the concepts were interesting and a handful of the prose was refreshing but there was a steep misogyny throughout that I struggled to wade through and felt blindsided by considering this book tried to position itself as progressive or radical somehow. Really disappointing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Ableism, Death, Death of parent, Fatphobia, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Racism, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Body horror, and Confinement
amaranth101's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
While the book explores some interesting ideas and reflections on human culture, with a particular focus on the intersection between sex and love, it is hard to look past the sexist, homophobic, and racist slurs that Heinlein casually drops into his writing. In addition, some sections of the book can really drag on, with multiple needlessly long conversations where one of the main characters mansplains concepts to other characters. I would only recommend to somebody dead set on reading all the sci fi classics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Homophobia and Racism
mattmaison's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Highly regarded, so I may have been expecting too much, but I would describe it as a good old fashioned sci-fi.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
unboxedjack's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.75
I thought I'd enjoy this, but it felt like what was a promising novel completely lost itself in the second half. The shift from a critical examination of culture, religion, and all that jazz to a gratuitous description of a sex cult made absolutely no sense. I tried to excuse Heinlein's repeated objectification and sexualization of women and absolute disparagement of anything other than heterosexuality as a sign of the times, but towards the end it felt like I was reading the inner machinations of a dirty old man. I'm not a prude and all for people feeling empowered by their sexuality, but Heinlein's characterization of women feeling as such was so much a product of the male gaze. Whether or not this was meant to be satirical--which I'll admit it did seem like this was the case at times--it was far too off-putting for my sensibilities. I can see why this novel may have been revolutionary for the time--the first half was definitely more engaging--but it simply didn't work for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cannibalism, Colonisation, Cultural appropriation, Death, Misogyny, Racism, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Violence, Xenophobia, Sexism, and Alcohol
television's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Sexual content
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