Well, this is astounding news:
As of this writing, August 31, 2003, there are only about half a dozen people in the entire known universe who can accurately claim that they have read every novel Heinlein has written.
For those of us who thought there would never again be another new Heinlein novel, the impossible has become reality . "For Us, the Living," is a brand new, never before published novel by Robert A. Heinlein. It is going into print now for the first time and will be in bookstores by the end of November, 2003.
"For Us, the Living" was written by Heinlein about 1938-9, before he wrote his first sf short, "Lifeline." The novel, "For Us, the Living," was deemed unpublishable, mainly for the racy content.
I find it difficult to discuss Heinlein without falling into superlatives; suffice it to say that yes, I've read just about everything he's ever written (or so I had thought!), and yes, I borrowed many of my core moral and political beliefs from what I found in his work. To find that after so many years we have a fresh opportunity to hear one last tale from the old man is simply extraordinary.
Hat tip: Ambient Irony
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
I have such mixed feelings about Heinlein. Obviously he was one of the SF master way back when. Reading it today, however, so much of it seems, well, simple and even hackneyed. And yet much of it does seem to stand the test of time, allowing for an occasional orientation toward people younger then I am.
His books stand up better than Asimov's, that's for sure. And I'll definitely be reading the new one, even if - as an early work - it is likely to slightly disappoint.
2 - Wonderduck
Simple? Hackneyed?
I'll tell you why you feel that way: it's because you've read the plots and seen the characters before, in tens or hundreds of books.
The catch is, of course, that Heinlein did it FIRST, probably... and THAT's what you have to remember when you read, say, "Starship Troopers," or "Glory Road," just to name two at random.
I'll be a-readin', sure 'nuff!
3 - Phillip Winn
No, it isn't the plots or characters that I recognize, nor are Starship Troopers or Glory Road among the novels I would criticize. Both of those, I believe, are excellent.
I refer specifically to the writing style, which was typical of the period - breezy and witty and sometimes simple and hackneyed.
4 - Steve Rhodes
I like Heinlein's books, but pretty early on (at about age 12) I was able to distinguish my enjoyment of them from his politics.
I remember one paper I wrote in school taking about the book High Frontier and a piece he wrote in favor of star wars (and to think that billions are still being wasted on that boondoggle that could go for real security measures).
I'd say a lot of Asimov's novels still stand up (though I admit most of my copies are in storage in Chicago, so I haven't read them in years).
5 - Suze
I really don't think that one can call Heinlein dated. I admit that I tend to become a bit emotional on the subject though I have learned not to crouch in caves and growl anymore. Seriously, I am 46, have been reading Heinlein since I was 12, re-read his books frequently and am now reading them out loud to my 10 year old son who is loving them. When he had to list his favorite books for his fifth grade teacher, Red Planet and Rolling Stones were both on his list.
I admit to being a bit disappointed in A Tramp Royal and Grumbles from the Grave, but you better believe I'll be haunting the book stores for this new one. I'm confused though: will it be coming out November 2003 or January 2004? I've seen both dates. I'm hoping November so I'll have two books to look forward to: the Heinlein and Orson Scott Card's newest Alvin Maker book.
6 - Phillip Winn
I'd be inclined to believe the November 28, 2003 date over Amazon's. I've seen Amazon be wrong before, and they've got time to adjust the date as it grows closer.