 |
I bought this product mostly because I am trying to complete a collection of Heinlein books in a hardcover format [preferably as close to being 1st editions as possible]. Plus, I had read this back in high school so there was some nostalgia involved as well. In terms of what I liked about the product, the premise behind it was an interesting take on "The End of Days." In this book, the hero survives various shifts in reality as he and a woman companion try to reach home. In some realities, various versions of himself exist and in others he does not. It is interesting how each reality has some similarities yet has other glaring differences. The hero believes the shifting reality is the End of Days and as he has fallen in love with his female companion, he desperately tries to get her to convert to Christianity. Finally, just before she completes her prayer of salvation, the rapture occurs and he is taken into Heaven. Not liking what he sees up there [attitudes, racism between angels and human converts], he decides he wants to go to Hell. Upon arriving in Hell, he finds out that Lucifer has been given the short end of the stick by God and, as this time they are playing by God's rules, Lucifer has also received a bad reputation. Lucifer entices the hero with succubi to keep in Hell, but the hero's love for his lost lady and wife is too strong, so Lucifer helps reunite the two, convincing Odin and Loki that they do not really need the woman for Ragnorak to occur. In terms of what I did not like about the product, it was an okay book; as a Christian it definitely came across as fairly blasphemous in places. I understand this is a work of fiction, but still. Also did not care for the taking of Scripture out of context. But in comparison to some of his other 'later novels' [the 'Heinlein unbound' period], I guess I would consider it one of his better ones. It kind of reminded me of "Number of the Beast" with the various realities and reality shifts that occurred. I guess it also reminded me of "The Last Temptation of Christ" in that it seemed like Heinlein was trying to de-Deify God and make Him less palatable, so to speak [just as the author struggled with Christ's willingness to die on the cross so he wrote "Temptation" as a means to come to grips with what Christ did but putting it in terms the author could accept].Read full review
I have almost every book this author ever wrote! I read his "Rocket Ship: Galileo" when I was 7 or 8 years old, when I first got a library card. This is one of his best. It is both entertaining and thought provoking. Likable characters embark on a series of unlikely adventures, with, as the title suggests, Christian religious overtones in a contemporary tale. I have read my paperback version many times, and it is falling apart. So, I'm tickled to get this hardback version! I'd recommend the book to anyone who likes a good action story with a twist!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
