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  • Orphans of the Sky

  • The Future History Series
  • Written by: Robert A. Heinlein
  • Narrated by: Graham Halstead
  • Length: 4 hrs and 29 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (55 ratings)

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Orphans of the Sky cover art

Orphans of the Sky

Written by: Robert A. Heinlein
Narrated by: Graham Halstead
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Publisher's Summary

Lost in space.

Hugh had been taught that, according to the ancient sacred writings, the Ship was on a voyage to faraway Centaurus. But he also understood this was just allegory for a voyage to spiritual perfection. Indeed, how could the Ship move, since its miles and miles of metal corridors were all there was of creation? Science knew that the Ship was all the universe, and as long as the sacred Converter was fed, the lights would continue to glow, the air would flow, and the Creator's Plan would be fulfilled.

Of course, there were the muties, grotesquely deformed parodies of humans, who lurked in the upper reaches of the Ship, where gravity was weaker. Were they evil incarnate, or merely a divine check on the population, keeping humanity from expanding past the capacity of the Ship to support?

Then Hugh was captured by the muties and met their leader (or leaders) - Joe-Jim, with two heads on one body - and learned the true nature of the Ship and its mission between the stars. But could he make his people believe him before it was too late? Could he make them believe that he must be allowed to fly the Ship?

©1951 Robert A. Heinlein (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Space Opera
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What listeners say about Orphans of the Sky

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Profile Image for Helliouse

Typical Heinlein

Typical Heinlein story. Very masculine and interesting.
Would make a great streaming TV show, with some script work around the concept.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Essjae

Interesting concept

Interesting idea for a story though the end felt like Heinlein got bored and just sort of went: "Blah blah blah, they made it, the end." it was ok up until that point but definitely not his best work.
Also contains extremely sexist portrayals of women as dim witted, panicky simpletons, good for nothing more than breeding stock. Took a lot away from the story and made it a lot less enjoyable.

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1 person found this helpful