Heinlen's It's Great to be Back

Upon having read Heinlein’s “It’s Great To Be Back” I originally was unsure what I would or could expect from this story.  I discovered myself to be pleasantly surprised, as the intro gave way to a bit of foreshadowing with its ominous depiction of Mr. and Mrs. Mac Rae’s homecoming. 

This also becomes a story of many layers, not only depicting regret and human nature when it comes wanting what you no longer have, but it also shows a form of segregation and though it may not be racist in the normal sense it does give visual and verbal clues of how the Mac Raes have to deal with the stigma of being “Lunatics” or “Looneys” as some of those around them describe the colonist who live within the moon. 

The concept of the “Golden Age” for theme shows up not only through the various progressions and technology used throughout the story, from the Lunar City and its modern technologies, to the express shuttle as used to get back to earth.  Once on Earth you discover terms such as “slide-walks” and “hover-cabs,” along with automatic delivery of food to their hotel suite. 

Once they remove them-selves to the farm things change and they are living a more survivalist retro lifestyle, without a lot of the advancements they were used to having right on hand.  Unfortunately along with this they come across the stigma and aggression from the local townsfolk, whom instead of welcoming the Mac Raes to their community, view them as intruders who have no right to take or benefit from the town itself, whether that be groceries or a simple hair cut at the barber shop. 

It is through this journey, which began with a need to return “home,” and home being Earth, from whence they originated, they actually discovered “home” was no longer where they fancied, but rather what they gave up.  Filled with longing and regret, having come full circle the Mac Raes work rapidly and with determination in order to return once more to Lunar City, the feeling of homesickness leaving as anticipation envelopes them.