Stranger in a Strange Land is about a man named Valentine Michael Smith. He was born on the planet Mars. His parents were part of the first named mission to Mars but died soon after he was born. Thus, he was raised by Martians. Later in life, Smith returns to earth and discovers that he is the legal heir to a large and successful company. His logic is different from that of most humans on earth, but it catches on quickly. Valentine starts his own church that advocates love and teaches psychic ways which the Martians used. In the novel’s climax, his “messiah” character meets a predictable fate.
Review
This book subtly introduces psychology and philosophy to the reader. It is a little difficult to follow and not easily read aloud. It was considered quite radical when first released in the 1960s, but was considered a classic when re-released in the 1990s. Heinlein is a very descriptive writer, and this novel is definitely one of his best works.