The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress

This is one of Heinlein's best books; it won the 1967 Hugo Award and was nominated for the 1966 Nebula. It's imaginative, original, and has some interesting things to say, especially on the subject of government and getting along without it. The story is mostly gripping, it stays on track and keeps to the point, unlike some of Heinlein's other books.

It starts in 2075, by which time the Moon has been used as a dumping ground for criminals (like Australia) for a long time: several generations. This isn't plausible, it would be too expensive, but in 1966 I suppose Heinlein wasn't to know; and we just have to overlook the problem.

In some ways, it deserves four stars from me, but my enjoyment of it is limited by the sketchy characterization, the lack of memorable scenes, and the oddly downbeat ending. In theory, the ending is mostly happy, but it feels rather sad.

I bought this book in 1975, though I'd already read it earlier. In those days, I liked Heinlein more than I do now, and would probably have rated it higher.