Stranger In A Strange Land: Library Edition

LISTENED TO AUDIOBOOK NARRATED BY CHRISTOPHER HURT.
More self-indulgent ramblings than sci-fi...
It was an unending struggle for me to finish this audiobook, though I did finally manage to do so. Instead of being the sci-fi novel I anticipated it to be, it was more of a theoretically futuristic story combining cult religious fundamentalism, random enlightened spirituality, "Stepford Wives", socio-political commentary and never-ending orgies and free & kinky sex presented to be a path to oneness and spiritual enlightenment.
I continually strived to remind myself of when it was published (1961), however I feel that is still no real excuse for the rampant sexism with the disrespectful and demeaning roles to which women are relegated, especially since it was supposed to occur in a more advanced future - the future portrayed was more technologically advanced, but with very few cultural and societal advances - in fact, I would it portrayed a regression of culture and society. Women in this story are essentially servants to men and sexual toys. It is very unappealing and disappointing that the writer seemed incapable of incorporating or envisioning equality of the sexes. Certainly the future portrayed in the book was not an appealing one and that aspect is integral to the story and its messages.
There were other elements of the writing itself which were burdensome for me including repetitive vocabulary and dull conversation and structure. In particular, the "Martian" word "grock" has a grating quality and became very annoying as it was ultimately used so frequently.
Overall, I found the audiobook narration to be unsatisfactory or at least did not improve upon my experience of the book. In some ways it reasonably portrayed the tone and essence of the book and therefore made the book even more painful for listening. Unfortunately, Mr. Hurt, similar to many male narrators, portrayed women who sound like spineless airheads (however, to be fair to him, the writing in this book does not help this aspect either). I also found his narration to be overly robotic at times and limited in scope in his portrayal of the different characters (male and female). Some characters were portrayed better than others. I would have enjoyed narration which expressed deeper emotions within the characters...once again, in fairness to Mr. Hurt, this situation is also a reflection of the lack of deep emotions and expressiveness in the writing/story. In reflection, the narrator was perhaps so in tune with the writing and tone of the book and its characters and thus made it exponentially more difficult to listen to this book for me. Since this is the first Heinlein book I have read, I do not know if this is a quality of his writing in general or intended by the author for this specific story. The majority of the characters are truly quite shallow as is the society in which they exist, at least in the manner in which they are written and narrated, so even when they do discuss deep and enlightened ideas, it felt like I was listening to a futuristic version of "Stepford" wives and husbands. Regardless, from nearly the beginning, I longed for the book to end.
The book does contain thoughtful and insightful philosophical and spiritual views and observations, but the writer's presentation of them was simply not enjoyable for me. I also feel the book could have presented the same messages and ideas in half the length.
Although there are many fans of this "classic" book, I am obviously not one of them: Too dated, too long, and very sexist. I wish I would have skipped this one. Wish I had not wasted the time or money. Thought it might actually have a meaningful and worthwhile ending...not particularly except in a vague observation by "Michael" that some changes need to be made...well, to say the least!
Lastly, if you are looking for a fully sci-fi novel to experience, in my view, Stranger in a Strange Land is more social, religious and philosophical commentary than science fiction.