Orphans of the Sky: Amazon.ca: Robert A. Heinlein: Books

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Product Description

From Library Journal

Heinlein's 1951 novel offers a ship drifting through the currents of space as a microcosm of society, complete with class struggles, politics (including war between inhabitants of different decks), and love and family. Protagonist Hugh Hoyland fights to understand it all and to bring unity to the crew. Stealth titles are available directly at www.stealthpress.com.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Inside This Book (Learn More)

Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover

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Customer Reviews

12 Reviews

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
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Average Customer Review

4.0 out of 5 stars (12 customer reviews)

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2.0 out of 5 stars good concept, executed poorly, Aug 24 2003

By	Mr. Nobody (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: ORPHANS OF THE SKY (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the only Heinlen book ive read and it will likely be the last. The story starts out interesting enough - the human race travelling through space in a giant starship that they believe IS the whole universe. Through the course of events, the main character, Hugh, learns the real nature of the ship and futilly attempts to educate the population of his discoveries due to everyone else's religious beliefs about the ship - the universe as they know it. This is another interesting concept, however, the story is marred with dull characters and a weak ending. I would recommend this book for children in grade school, but not for anyone who is looking for "serious" science fiction.

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5.0 out of 5 stars My first Heinlein book, Dec 30 2002

By	R. Wallace "Bob Wallace" (St. Louis, Mo USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: ORPHANS OF THE SKY (Mass Market Paperback)

I first read this short novel when I was about 12 years old. Talk about mind-blowing. It never occured to me that people could have two heads, or be the heroes of a book! Or that a gigantic, self-contained spaceship could be so long in space that the inhabitants have forgotten they are _on_ a spaceship, and instead think it's the entire universe. I have no idea what happened to my first paperback copy. I do miss it. Wherever it's at, I hope some other 12-year-old has stumbled upon it.

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3.0 out of 5 stars Nice plot but leaves you wanting, Aug 24 2002

By	Puneet Tanwar (Hyderabad) - See all my reviews

This review is from: ORPHANS OF THE SKY (Mass Market Paperback)

3.5 stars.
This is a good book, not to be missed by SF fans. My only complaint was that the psychology of people who are not familiar with a concept of anything outside their own ship had enormous potential, but was explored in a fairly casual manner - not very convincing. But the rest of the story is tops.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars The first Heinlein I read, and I sure am happy I read it
This was the first Robert Heinlein book that I read. I needed a book to use for a book report project in 8th grade, and I found this book in the school library. Read more

Published on Jun 27 2002

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Great Novel by Heinlein
Robert A. Heinlein is easily one of the best authors that have published their works, science fiction or not. Read more

Published on Jun 21 2002 by rzaster

4.0 out of 5 stars A worthwhile read
While it shouldn't be compared to his later genre-busting novels, Orphans of the Sky is an entertaining Robert A. Heinlein book in its own right. Read more

Published on Dec 16 2001 by VoodooLord7

4.0 out of 5 stars Mind-expanding perspectives for younger readers
Originally published as two short stories, ("Universe" and "Common Sense"), this short novel showcases Heinlein's penchant for cynical social commentary... Read more

Published on Feb 22 2001 by Dave Deubler