These days, Robert Heinlein is probably best known as the author of Starship Troopers, (first published in November of 1959, when I was 8 years old) a book which, in its time, was rather controversial. It showed a militant, almost fascist, society brought about the world’s response to an alien race bent on conquest and the destruction of humanity. It was made into a “Major Motion Picture” which, in typical Hollywood fashion, removed most of the controversial elements. And replaced them with controversial elements of the writers and producers choice.
Not quite two years later, his novel Stranger in a Strange Land was published. And it is difficult to imagine two books by the same author that reflect such radically different philosophies. In this novel a human infant is raised on Mars by the few remaining members of that planet’s dying race. He is trained by them, taught their values, and is assimilated into their society. Then, as an adult, he is brought back to earth and is placed in a society so different, that at first, he withdraws. Human society has cultural values, norms, and rituals that are thoroughly opposed to what he was taught. The book satirizes the conventions of American Society, as he tries to change all its inate norms, through peaceful methods.
Now, I do not for a moment believe that Bloodstone Redemption will ever become the SciFi classic that Stranger is, or that I will be looked upon as a “Giant of American Literature” like Heinlein. But there are some similarities between Redemption and Stranger. Master too is baffled by the culture and he, at least tries to withdraw as he learns its ways. (In fact, at one point I considered titling chapter 1 “A Stranger” and chapter 2 “In a Strange Land.” It would have been apt, but I decided that it would be in poor taste to appropriate a much greater work’s title. (Besides, as the title of this Blog says: If you know… you grock.)
The differences are major. Where Valentine Smith is a man of peace, love, and kindness; Master is not. Master kills, starts wars, and attempts to bring about societal changes through violent means, and by destroying the physical crutches which support and create that world’s cultures.
The similarities stem from the satire aimed at those cultural norms. Master disapproves of the people’s dependence on addictions (to drugs, smart fones, gambling, porn, etc) as a form of validation. He also has sincere doubts about that world’s Pharisaical Legal system. (The biblical Pharisees, broke down every violation of God’s Laws into nit-picky sub-laws that served their wants and opinions rather than God’s. Master sees the FSA’s legal system as beiing the same.)
And, of course, there is magic in Redemption.
Oh, and Valentine is killed at the end. Master, is not.