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Robert A. Heinlein’s Stranger In A Strange Land, an award winning sci-fi novel idolised as a cult classic of its generation, narrates the terrestrial experiences of a human from Mars named Smith, when he arrives on planet Earth, after having been raised by Martian natives. Summary Of The Book Considered controversial when it was first published in 1961, Heinlein’s Stranger In A Strange Land is a science fiction novel narrating the experiences of a human from Mars when he lands on his native planet Earth and tries to adapt to the culture of its inhabitants. Valentine Michael Smith is the child of a couple who were among the first team of astronauts sent on an expedition to Mars. As the entire team was killed, Smith was orphaned and left to be raised by Martian natives, who got him accustomed to their way of life. Two decades later, a second similar mission brings him back to planet Earth. His arrival sparks national interest as he is considered the only surviving claimant to the fortunes and inventions of the original team of explorers. In order to acclimatise to Earth’s gravity and atmosphere, Smith is kept in a hospital, under special observation of Government agents. Kept in seclusion from others, especially female humans, he is befriended by Nurse Gillian who works at the hospital. After realising that government agents are keeping a close watch and spreading lies about Smith, together they try to escape the hospital but run in to trouble with the government agents. Stranger In A Strange Land deals with Smith’s attempts to understand the human way of life on Earth, as portrayed in the book. He interacts with Harshaw, a lawyer, who helps him find his freedom to roam freely on earth. Thereafter, the book follows his adventures as he explores and discovers human concepts related to God, religion, clothing, war, most of which are alien to him. The book, although a subject of some controversy, was a huge success, with sales increasing through rapid word-of-mouth publicity. In 1962, it won the Hugo Award for Best Novel. Recently, it was included in the US Library of Congress list as one of the 'Books That Shaped America'. About Robert A. Heinlein Adjudged the very first Grand Master of Science Fiction Writers in 1974, winner of four Hugo Awards and three Retro Hugos for his works, Heinlein is revered as the Dean of Science Fiction Writers. He has authored many award winning books in his lifetime including, For Us, The Living: A Comedy Of Customs, Rocket Ship Galileo, Red Planet, Starship Troopers, Expanded Universe, Time Enough For Love, and The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress. Primarily a writer of sci-fi fantasy, Heinlein’s books are known for their radical ideas. He has often addressed social themes of individual liberty, libertarianism, and repression of non conformist thought, through his work. Born in 1907, American author Robert Heinlein spent his childhood in Missouri, USA, and graduated with a B.S. in Naval Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy, serving as an officer for many years before embarking on his literary career. His short stories on sci-fi first gained prominence through The Saturday Evening Post.