'I Will Fear No Evil' by Robert A. Heinlein is a novel that delves into themes of gender, sexuality, and mortality. The story follows Johann Smith, a wealthy old man who undergoes a risky whole body transplant, only to wake up in the body of his young, beautiful female secretary. The book explores issues of sexuality and gender, as well as the differences between men and women, all while tackling the importance of procreation, the search for immortality, and the relationship between emotional love and sexual experience. The plot involves a complex exploration of these themes, set in a dystopic future where the protagonist critically examines society's assumptions, beliefs, and mores.

Characters:

Characters include a wealthy old man and his young female secretary, whose dynamics are often framed within sexual and gender discussions.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by extensive internal dialogue and prolonged prose, which some find tedious and lacking in engaging dialogue.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around a unique premise of a brain transplant from an elderly man to a young woman's body, exploring themes of gender identity and sexuality.

Setting:

The setting explores a futuristic society that allows for unique gender and identity discussions, alongside societal critiques.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow, with a lack of conflict that contributes to an overall sense of stagnation in character development.

The room was old-fashioned, 1980 baroque, but it was wide, long, high, and luxurious. Near simulated view windows stood an automated hospital bed. It looked out of place but was largely concealed by a...

Notes:

The book was published in 1970 and reflects the themes of its time, including the sexual revolution.

It features a controversial premise where an elderly man's brain is transplanted into the body of his young female secretary.

Many readers find the portrayal of gender and sexuality dated and problematic by today's standards.

Heinlein's style has been criticized for being bloated and overly long, with some stating it could have been edited down significantly.

Despite the flaws, the novel explores complex themes of gender identity and sexuality.

The internal dialogue dominates much of the narrative, leading some readers to feel it lacks action and conflict.

Some reviewers noted that the story might have been intended to be humorous but ended up being uncomfortable or boring instead.

Heinlein is described as a writer who often immerses readers in sex and relationships, sometimes to a fault.

The book has been both praised and reviled, with differing opinions on its merits and Heinlein's overall approach to storytelling and character development.

Heinlein himself expressed dissatisfaction with the book, referring to it as one of his 'stinkers' when reflecting on his body of work.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains content that could be triggering including explicit sexual content, themes of misogyny, and discussions that may stem from harmful gender stereotypes.

Has Romance?

The book incorporates romantic elements but they are portrayed with a rather peculiar and sometimes uncomfortable perspective.

From The Publisher:

The brilliantly shocking story of the ultimate transplant from New York Times bestselling author Robert A. Heinlein.

As startling and provocative as his famous Stranger in a Strange Land, here is Heinlein's awesome masterpiece about a man supremely talented, immensely old and obscenely wealthy who discovers that money can buy everything. Even a new life in the body of a beautiful young woman.

Ratings (1)

Loved It (1)

Reader Stats (7):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (2)
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1 comment(s)

gzynel160

Loved It

2 months

This is without a doubt a strange one, and challenging to social norms (as in Stranger in a Strange Land) in terms of sexuality and relationships. It does reflect the time it was written in, but isn't really dated except for some of the dialog (ladies just don't talk like that anymore, do they?). Even though it wasn't what I usually read, I grew quite attached to the characters and teared up in certain parts. It's a good read, but be prepared to be challenged.

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About the Author:

Robert Anson Heinlein was born in Missouri in 1907, and was raised there. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1929, but was forced by illness to retire from the Navy in 1934. He settled in California and over…

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I Will Fear No Evil

Robert A. Heinlein