charles (02/04/83)
I have a theory about the ending of "The Number of the Beast". Heinlein
ran out of ideas near the end of the book, and just didn't finish it. If
he didn't run out of ideas, then perhaps he had a stroke that damaged
whatever area of the mind that controls creative thinking. This theory
is further demonstrated in his latest book, "Friday". This latest book
incorporates many standard Heinlein ideas and thoughts, but nothing new,
and without the usual panache and style we associate with Heinlein.
Maybe Heinlein is dead, and some half-wit relations have tried to carry
on his work, not having any time for love, and fearing no evil. Well,
who or whatever happened, reading Heinlein's last two books, I feel
like a stranger in a strange land.
Charles Camisa
(Jubal in another incarnation)
Geophysics Lab
University of Washington