Author: Robert A, Heinlein
Pages: 253
Publisher: Ballantine Books (New York) 1954
The Star Beast was Robert Heinleins eighth juvinile novel and marked a slight departure in subject. Instead of being out there in space, this book takes place on good old earth. It is an earth of the future where travel in starship across the galaxy is possible nad brought to earth all kinds on extraterestrial flora and fauna to the earth.
The central plot revolves around John Thomas, his girlfriend Betty Sorenson and the star beast known as Lummox. The adventure starts when Lummox decided to take a stroll outside its cage and causes tons of damage. The conflict continues as people want Lummox destroyed but Betty and John work hard to keep him alive even though it is discovered later lummox can't really be killed. Despite the seeming lack of intelligence of Lummox it turns out that Lummox is part of an interstellar race more advanced than humans. What follows is a tale of interstellar diplomacy, law and friendship.
The technology of the book is not a great advance except of the existence of interstellar ships and other items. The technology of this book actually takes a back seat to the real issues on xeno-relationships with other star faring races.
Sociologically this book still has a strong message of how people would act in the face of 'we are not alone in the universe' and various alien races that must be negotiated with and dealt with on a personal level. In a bold move for 1954, Heinlein also introduces the concept of children divorcing the parents. The style is juvenile but Heinlein isn't thinking high school students in this one, but early college so the 'sex' question does get through although it is very veiled.
Stylistically, this book has real dialogue and humor that at times causes a pretty good chuckle. Heinlein's plot is not only solid but has many twists and turns that are realistic and at time fantastic. One thing to note is the character of Betty Sorenson, who is a very strong female character. Rare for 1954 and up till now Heinlein had made his male characters the strong ones. Betty introduces a pretty strong female heroine to Heinlein's books and he will have many more in books to come. Even though John and Lummox take center stage most of the time, Betty gets them in and out of trouble more often than not.
Rating: 3 and three quarter stars. This is a good book and well worth the read. The issues are great brain stretchers and the humor entertaining. The thing is this is a good Heinlein book, but not a great one. It is innovative and fun, so it was a good read.
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