Robert A. Heinlein’s The Cat Who Walks Through Walls is one of the legendary science fiction writer’s most provocative and genre-defying works. First published in 1985, this novel blends space opera, political thriller, metaphysics, and time travel into a narrative that’s as puzzling as it is entertaining. While it’s technically a sequel to Heinlein’s The Number of the Beast and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, it stands on its own as a bold exploration of freedom, identity, and the fabric of reality itself.
Let’s delve into the core themes, characters, and impact of this peculiar yet enduring classic.
A Veteran Writer at Play with the Multiverse
By the time Heinlein wrote The Cat Who Walks Through Walls, he was already a giant in science fiction literature, known for seminal works like Stranger in a Strange Land and Starship Troopers. This novel showcases a writer deeply aware of his legacy and fully in control of his powers — while also indulging in self-referential fun.
The story begins aboard a space habitat, with our protagonist, Colonel Colin Campbell — also known as “Richard Ames” — embroiled in an assassination and then swept into a high-stakes interdimensional adventure. Early on, Campbell is joined by Hazel Stone, a returning character from Heinlein’s earlier works, who adds depth and continuity to the sprawling Heinlein universe. The titular cat, Pixel, quite literally walks through walls and serves as a metaphysical and symbolic figure, a nod to Schrödinger and quantum uncertainty.
The multiverse concept is central to the book, aligning with Heinlein’s “World as Myth” framework, which suggests that all fictional universes exist and are accessible. This idea allows Heinlein to reference his own previous characters and stories, blending literary worlds with near-impunity.
Characters That Bridge Stories and Realities
Heinlein’s protagonist, Colonel Colin Campbell, is not your typical space hero. He is sarcastic, world-weary, and reluctant. Yet, he becomes central to a complex struggle involving secret agencies, parallel dimensions, and a mysterious mission that even he doesn’t fully understand at the outset. His relationship with Hazel — tough, independent, and shrewd — forms the emotional core of the narrative. They are not young lovers but seasoned partners, which adds a level of maturity and realism often missing in science fiction pairings.
Other returning characters include Jubal Harshaw and Lazarus Longs, iconic figures from Heinlein’s previous novels, further blurring the line between sequel and standalone. These cameos, while enjoyable for longtime fans, can be somewhat bewildering for first-time Heinlein readers — but they also highlight the interconnectedness of his fictional cosmos.
Pixel the cat is more than a cute companion; he embodies the quantum theme of the book. The idea that the cat can phase through walls (and possibly dimensions) reflects Heinlein’s fascination with the blurred boundaries between possible realities.
Philosophical Themes Beneath the Sci-Fi Surface
Heinlein has always been known for embedding deep philosophical inquiries within his stories. The Cat Who Walks Through Walls is no different. The book questions the nature of reality, the freedom of the individual, and the role of fate versus free will.
At its core, the novel explores the idea of narrative determinism. Characters find themselves manipulated by forces they can barely comprehend — a metaphor, perhaps, for Heinlein’s own musings on authorship and creation. Who controls the story? The writer, the reader, or the characters themselves?
Another theme that emerges is the concept of legacy. Heinlein, through his aging protagonists, reflects on his own contributions to science fiction and the changing values of the genre. There’s a strong libertarian undercurrent, consistent with his earlier works, advocating for self-reliance, personal freedom, and skepticism of centralized authority.
Reception and Lasting Influence
When it was first published, The Cat Who Walks Through Walls received a mixed reception. Critics praised Heinlein’s ambition and creativity but were divided on the convoluted plot and heavy reliance on past works. Some readers found the novel disjointed, particularly those unfamiliar with Heinlein’s broader universe. Others saw it as a fitting culmination of his lifelong literary experiment.
Today, the novel holds a cult status among science fiction fans. It exemplifies Heinlein’s late-career audacity — unafraid to challenge conventions, tie together disparate threads, and insert himself into the mythos he had created. It’s not a beginner’s entry into Heinlein’s work, but for seasoned readers, it’s a fascinating, layered exploration of his multiverse philosophy.
In conclusion, The Cat Who Walks Through Walls is more than a story about a mysterious feline or a spacefaring duo. It is a rich, intricate journey into the heart of science fiction’s potential — to challenge, to amuse, and to blur the very boundaries of reality. Whether taken as a metaphysical thought experiment or a space opera romp, it remains a defining statement from one of the genre’s most important voices.
