Book Review: Friday by Robert A. Heinlein

This book tells us about adventures of Friday, a genetically engineered human being. Although she is physically and mentally superior to ordinary people, she deals with low self-esteem (due to the fact of her origin) and has a strong need “to belong”. After her mysterious boss plants into her mind an idea that she is living in a “sick and dying culture”, she resettles to another planet. There, she finally finds all the things she was looking for.

This book explores themes that often reoccur in other works of Robert A. Heinlein: freedom, self-reliance, and polyamory. Unfortunately, it is not his best book. I would not recommend “Friday” as an introduction to Heinlein’s philosophy, even though you might still appreciate little gems of wisdom scattered across the text.

Personally, I don’t fully understand the root cause of all the heroine’s struggles. Being highly intelligent, she would have to assume her superiority to other humans. It would be the most logical thing for all APs (artificial persons) to form a secret society in order to help each other to get ahead in life by all possible means. In a short time, genetically modified humans would become the world’s ruling elite. It would be interesting to read about that.

Admittedly, all the persons in this book look alike. If their names or occupations aren’t indicated, you will have a hard time to distinguish them from each another. They unfailingly manifest the best character traits. They are all sweetness and light. Both males and females are kind, sincere, generous, and charming. Should I mention that they are good cooks and housekeepers, too? Even more, most of them are attracted to Friday, and ready to have sex with her. There is not a trace of ambiguity about them. Do not expect any dark secrets to be revealed. Even when those characters have to do something bad, like killing a person, they do it either reluctantly, or in self-defense. Although I am not entirely against good characters in novels, “Friday” strikes me as psychologically unrealistic.

I still have to be convinced that polyamory is preferable to more traditional sexual relationships. Intimate relationships between two persons are difficult enough to handle, it’s a known fact. Can we reasonably expect the things to be easier when more people are included? I have serious doubts. The author never says how polyamory became a cultural norm. I would be interested to read about such a transition.

“What are the signs of a sick and dying culture?” Perhaps, it is a good question to ask ourselves. Of course, if we don’t like the state of the world affairs, we can’t just buy a ticket and move away from this planet. However, the honest evaluation of our living conditions is the prerequisite of rational behavior and meaningful life.