by Robert Heinlein
published 2020
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The Pursuit of the Pankera is one of the most audacious experiments ever done in science fiction by the legendary author of the classic bestseller Starship Troopers.
Robert A. Heinlein wrote The Number of the Beast, which was published in 1980. In the book Zeb, Deety, Hilda and Jake are ambushed by the alien “Black Hats” and barely escape with their lives on a specially configured vehicle (the Gay Deceiver) which can travel along various planes of existence, allowing them to visit parallel universes.
However, unknown to most fans, Heinlein had already written a “parallel” novel about the four characters and parallel universes in 1977. He effectively wrote two parallel novels about parallel universes. The novels share the same start, but as soon as the Gay Deceiver is used to transport them to a parallel universe, each book transports them to a totally different parallel world.
From that point on the plotlines diverge completely. While The Number of the Beast morphs into something very different, more representative of later Heinlein works, The Pursuit of the Pankera remains on target with a much more traditional Heinleinesque storyline and ending, reminiscent of his earlier works.
The Pursuit of the Pankera was never published and there have been many competing theories as to why (including significant copyright issues in 1977). Over time the manuscript was largely forgotten but survived in fragments. A recent re-examination of these fragments, however, made it clear that put together in the right order they constituted the complete novel.
And here it finally is: Robert A. Heinlein’s audacious experiment. A fitting farewell from one of the most inventive science fiction writers to have ever lived: a parallel novel about parallel universes as well as a great adventure pitting the forces of good versus evil only the way Heinlein could do.
I was an avid reader growing up and still have read or listen to a lot of books. My parents got me started reading early, too early, perhaps? I won’t get into all the trials and tribulations of public school in the 80’s (50 years old now), being lightyears ahead of my peers in my literature tastes. However it was comical in 6th grade when my teacher had a melt down over the book I was reading…The Number of the Beast. She read the title and had a crisis. She definitely didn’t accept it when I told her it was about n-dimensional geometry and travelling through different universes. Thankfully, our principal was a science fiction junkie too.
When I heard that Pursuit of Pankera came out, a “new” novel by Robert A. Heinlein came out in 2020, I had to get it. First in Kindle, then the audiobook. I love both versions of the story but was absolutely delighted for them to actually go to *no spoilers* in Pankera.
I have all his novels, some in paperback, some in Kindle, and as many as I can get in Audiobooks (good narrator a must!). I listen to them over and over. Heinlein’s novels are what I listen to most often (I listen at work, when driving or going for walks). It was my dream that I would retire in a space habitat, or Luna City, selling burritos as a retirement hobby.. the perfect low-g fast food. With a cat named Pixel… and playing chess at a pool hall, next to the pawnshop where I sold my coat to Lazarus Long
@JobnMills
My separated twin at birth! I’m also 67 and RAH was a huge part of my childhood into and still in adulthood. Time has not lessened my love of his tomes. I’m researching for a BFF who wants to delve in to RAH.
“Let the Circle be Unbroken”
My mom taught me to read using the books she had on hand which was my dad’s novels. Several were RAH books. I’m 67 now and my love of science fiction has never wavered. Especially the Heinlein Juveniles. I’m listening to the Rocket Ship Galileo audiobook right now. I remember when I heard on the news of Heinlein passing. I pulled off the side of the road and cried. So much of my thinking processes were shaped by Heinlein novels. Learning of this ‘new’ novel makes me happier than I can describe.
Annie, I found him as a kid, too, and I’m 75 now. Yow! Where did our time go? I’m rereading them all. Thanks for reminding me.
James Preston
I am a long-time Heinlein fan. I discovered him as a child. I’m now 75. What a treat to discover “The pursuit of the Pankera!” I thought I had lost him. He lives in the minds of his legion of fans who enjoy, and maybe worship his works. Thankyou Robert. zganniem