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From: kato@utcsri.UUCP (John Kitamura)
Newsgroups: ont.sf-lovers
Subject: Re: Heinlein's latest
Message-ID: <1685@utcsri.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 23-Nov-85 21:43:49 EST
Article-I.D.: utcsri.1685
Posted: Sat Nov 23 21:43:49 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 23-Nov-85 22:27:39 EST
References: <934@lsuc.UUCP>
Distribution: ont
Organization: CSRI, University of Toronto
Lines: 28


	Heinlein's `THE CAT WHO WALKS THROUGH WALLS - A comedy of manners'
is a sequel to ` "THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST" ', but only in it's third
section. The first two sections are comprised of a fairly good mystery-adventure
story (with the usual cute and competent Heinlein characters);
it's fast paced and interesting.
	But don't expect the mystery to be resolved; ` "THE NUMBER OF THE
BEAST" ' story takes over, and the conclusion is very weak.
As expected, characters from a half dozen other Heinlein books make their
appearance, everyone is married to everyone else, and they spend a lot of time
talking.
	It's not necessary to have read the preceeding novels and stories,
but it helps. I found myself getting lost at some of the references to
stories I haven't read. But it is an entertaining read; I liked the
beginning but couldn't help feeling cheated by the conclusion (if there
was one - I think I missed it). I do question my sanity for paying the $25
hardcover price (as quoted in the book "There's one born every minute ...").
	In conclusion. I think its okay, but definitely not Heinlein at
his best. I'll admit to liking `BEAST' after reading it twice, (the
multi-universe idea is interesting) but this book is more like a reunion of
old characters than a story. Sorry for sounding so weak-kneed, but I have to
justify my expenditure, don't I?

	Eddison's `THE WORM OUROBOUROS' is referred to several times. Now
there was an entertaining book.

			John Kitamura/Univ. of Toronto
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