Red Planet is an adventure novel that explores such issues as friendship, intercultural relationships, and the importance of historical patterns. Heinlein's predominant literary technique is the creation of parallels between actual human society and the fictional world of Mars. Rather than create a totally fantastic world in Red Planet, Heinlein fills his novel with familiar characters, inci dents, and relationships, all operating in an unusual, futuristic environment.

The friendship theme, as played out in the relationship between Jim and Willis, will find almost universal appeal. The book presents a fantasy come true: a pet who is actually a sentient being, able to communicate with its owner. More important, though, the story of Jim and Willis forces readers to consider the obligations humans hold toward those creatures they consider pets. The relationship between Jim and Willis also parallels that between colonists and Martians. By the end of...