dmturner's review
2.0
Oh golly. I ran across this book in a second hand store and didn’t remember reading it. Since I read everything Heinlein ever wrote, multiple times, that should have been a warning.
Since the last time I re-read anything by Heinlein was probably 45 years ago, that too should have been a warning.
I did not heed the warnings.
It is a loosely strung together and improbable saga that starts out as Kipling’s Kim and then saunters through another couple of novels to become Captains Courageous. In between there are lectures about kinship systems and economics. The book is also punctuated by female characters I thought were empowered at the time. Now I notice that they lie to men about their own abilities so they won’t seem threatening.
I gave it two stars because despite everything, Heinlein is readable. Just not read-again-able.
Since the last time I re-read anything by Heinlein was probably 45 years ago, that too should have been a warning.
I did not heed the warnings.
It is a loosely strung together and improbable saga that starts out as Kipling’s Kim and then saunters through another couple of novels to become Captains Courageous. In between there are lectures about kinship systems and economics. The book is also punctuated by female characters I thought were empowered at the time. Now I notice that they lie to men about their own abilities so they won’t seem threatening.
I gave it two stars because despite everything, Heinlein is readable. Just not read-again-able.
pemdas97's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
worldknight's review
3.0
Interesting from start to finish. The protagonist's growth and character development was well written and his reactions to the situations he finds himself in felt real without coming off as too cliche or "whiny". The only negative factor of this book is the transition to the penultimate chapters...one feels as though they've picked up a wholly separate book and it is very jarring. Overall, a good read.
par3's review against another edition
4.0
4.25 Stars! Excellent book. I thoroughly enjoyed Thorby’s miraculous story and Baslim was an excellent character. The ending fell a little flat but was still sufficiently good. Enjoy!
achoward's review
4.0
I've actually read this book several times over the years. For some reason, the first part of the book got stuck in my head the last week of the year and wouldn't go away, so I took that as a sign to reread it.
The (licensed) beggar Baslim buys a young boy at a slave auction after the usual audience passes. He raises the boy as his son, but teaches him a variety of subjects, including noting the comings and goings of ships at the spaceport. When the government, suspecting Baslim is a spy, goes to arrest him, Thor is left with his wits and the lessons taught to him by "Pop" to escape the clutches of that government and make his way into the free world. Ultimately, he learns that there is much more to who a person is than just their name and the status or rank they hold.
The (licensed) beggar Baslim buys a young boy at a slave auction after the usual audience passes. He raises the boy as his son, but teaches him a variety of subjects, including noting the comings and goings of ships at the spaceport. When the government, suspecting Baslim is a spy, goes to arrest him, Thor is left with his wits and the lessons taught to him by "Pop" to escape the clutches of that government and make his way into the free world. Ultimately, he learns that there is much more to who a person is than just their name and the status or rank they hold.
bluemaiden's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kellylynnthomas's review
4.0
I liked this book because it was not overly optimistic, but also not overly dark. It ended on a hopeful note, but didn't wrap everything up neatly at the end. Like every Heinlein book I've read, it focused on a core cast of complex characters who drive the action. His supporting cast manages to be complex too--there are no simple villains here. This is definitely a reflection of real humanity.
ohmidmid's review
3.0
Part of me wants to give this one less star for its unsatisfying ending -- and also the fact that the more interesting parts of the story are hardly explored.
slferg's review
5.0
I think my favorite Heinlein book. I know a lot of people like Stranger in a Strange Land but I prefer this one. A powerful story of a young boy who is a slave in the galaxy, knowing nothing of his people or where he came from. At the beginning, due to a contretemps between the auctioneer and some of his customers, the boy is purchased by an old beggar with a missing leg and eye. The beggar turns out not to be what he seems and he educates the boy and eventually frees him. Then comes a turning point when the beggar is captured and killed by the police on the planet and everyone is looking for the boy to find out what he knows. But the "beggar" has left a way for him to escape from the planet and try to find his own people and home.
I think I first read this in college and feel compelled to read it again every so often. Surprised it wasn't already in my list of books.......
I think I first read this in college and feel compelled to read it again every so often. Surprised it wasn't already in my list of books.......
sarahexe's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25