Stranger in a Strange Land

Synopsis

The original uncut edition of STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND by Hugo Award winner Robert A Heinlein - one of the most beloved, celebrated science-fiction novels of all time. Epic, ambitious and entertaining, STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND caused controversy and uproar when it was first published and is still topical and challenging today.

Twenty-five years ago, the first manned mission to Mars was lost, and all hands presumed dead. But someone survived...

Born on the doomed spaceship and raised by the Martians who saved his life, Valentine Michael Smith has never seen a human being until the day a second expedition to Mars discovers him.
Upon his return to Earth, a young nurse named Jill Boardman sneaks into Smith's hospital room and shares a glass of water with him, a simple act for her but a sacred ritual on Mars.

Now, connected by an incredible bond, Smith, Jill and a writer named Jubal must fight to protect a right we all take for granted: the right to love.

Summary

Chapter 1: Stranger in a Strange Land

Michael Valentine Smith (Mike) is a human who grew up on Mars with Martians and has never met another human. When his spaceship crashes on Earth, he is introduced to human society for the first time. Mike's innocence and alien perspective challenge Earthly norms, causing both fascination and confusion.

Chapter 2: Water

Mike's first encounter with water is transformative. He experiences it as a sacred substance that brings life and joy. This contrasts with the Martian water-saving culture, highlighting the different values of the two societies.

Chapter 3: Jubal Harshaw

Jubal Harshaw, an elderly philosopher, becomes Mike's mentor and guide. He introduces Mike to art, language, and the complexities of human nature. Together, they explore the philosophical and ethical implications of Mike's unique perspective.

Chapter 4: The Man from Mars

Mike's story attracts the attention of the media and the public. He becomes a celebrity, but his innocence and honesty clash with the manipulative intentions of those who seek to exploit him.

Chapter 5: Valentine Michael Smith

Mike legally changes his name to Valentine Michael Smith in honor of the Martian language. He establishes the concept of "grokking," a deep understanding and acceptance of another's being. This idea profoundly impacts those who come into contact with Mike.

Chapter 6: Anne Meredith

Anne Meredith, a young nurse, falls in love with Mike. Her love challenges Mike's ingrained Martian values and forces him to confront the complexities of human relationships.

Chapter 7: The Church of All Worlds

Mike inadvertently becomes the founder of the Church of All Worlds. The church preaches the idea of "grokking" and encourages its followers to embrace tolerance and understanding. However, it also attracts those who seek power and manipulate its teachings for their own gain.

Chapter 8: The Trial

Mike is accused of murdering his friend, Foster Adams. The trial becomes a battleground for different perspectives on life, love, and the nature of truth. Mike's alien perspective and the complexities of human emotions challenge the traditional judicial system.

Chapter 9: The Phoenix

After being found innocent, Mike is given the gift of a new spaceship by his Martian father, Saint Valentine. He departs Earth, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape human society for generations to come.