"Citizen of the Galaxy" by Robert A. Heinlein (1908-1980)

Publisher: Ballantine
Copyright: 1957

Citizen of the Galaxy is the 11th (and second last) book in what are considered to be the Heinlein juveniles. As far as I can tell it is not set in the same timeline as some of the others are. However, if one wished to consider it to be in the same framework then it would have to be much farther in the future then pretty much any of the other books. I say this because interstellar travel is common, as it is faster than light travel, and many many stars have been colonized, etc.

The story itself tells the tale of a young orphan boy named Thorby. Later on in the book we learn that at the beginning of the story he is approximately four years old. When the story opens Thorby is standing on a slave block in the process of being auctioned off. He is purchased for a very small amount by a begger named Baslim the Cripple.

The first part of the story tells of the time Thorby lived with Baslim, which seems to equate to approximately ten years. The rest of the story is unfortunately hard to relate in a review without giving away the entire plot. However, in general Thorby is forced to leave Baslim, and the planet they had lived on and escapes on a starship. He lives aboard this ship for approximately two more years, then once again moves on, unwillingly at first, and joins the Hegemonic Guard at which time he is finally identified, reunited with his biological family (which has both good and bad points), and learns about his place in the world.

While I could be mistaken I believe this was one of the very first Heinlein books I ever read, and I still consider it to be one of my favourites (even after close to 50 years). It is a well written novel, with great characterization, a well devised plot, and a great message.

Highly recommended to anyone who likes classic science fiction.