Job: A Comedy of Justice – Summary
Job: A Comedy of Justice follows the extraordinary journey of Alexander Hergensheimer, a conservative Christian minister from Kansas, who finds himself thrust into a series of parallel universes after a peculiar firewalking incident during a Polynesian holiday. As he navigates through these alternate realities, Alex’s identity shifts to that of Alec Graham, a man with a questionable past and a million dollars in his possession.
Throughout his interdimensional odyssey, Alex/Alec is accompanied by Margrethe, a Danish woman who becomes his constant companion and love interest. Together, they face numerous challenges as they are repeatedly transported from one reality to another, often losing their hard-earned money and possessions in the process. These constant shifts force Alex to question his rigid beliefs and adapt to new circumstances, all while trying to reconcile his growing love for the ‘heathen’ Margrethe with his deeply ingrained Christian values.
As the frequency of these reality shifts increases, Alex becomes convinced that the End Times are approaching. His faith is put to the ultimate test when he finds himself in Heaven, only to discover it’s not the paradise he envisioned. The celestial realm is portrayed as a bureaucratic nightmare, with snobbish angels and a seemingly disinterested God. To his horror, Alex realises that Margrethe is not in Heaven, prompting him to embark on a quest through the afterlife to find her.
In a surprising turn of events, Alex encounters Satan, who offers insights that challenge everything Alex thought he knew about the divine order. The story culminates in a meeting with a higher power, forcing Alex to confront the true nature of reality, faith, and love. Throughout this cosmic journey, Heinlein weaves a satirical commentary on religion, bureaucracy and human nature, while exploring themes of identity, adaptability and the subjective nature of morality.
Key themes:
- Religious satire and critique of dogmatic beliefs
- The fluidity of identity and personal growth
- Love transcending religious and cultural boundaries
- Bureaucratic inefficiency in both earthly and divine realms
- The subjective nature of morality and justice
- Adaptability in the face of constant change
Character Details
Alexander Hergensheimer / Alec Graham
Alexander Hergensheimer, later known as Alec Graham, is the protagonist of the novel. Initially, he is a staunchly conservative Christian minister and the head of Churches United for Decency. His worldview is characterised by rigid moral standards and unwavering faith. However, as he is thrust into a series of alternate realities, his character undergoes a profound transformation. As Alec Graham, he is forced to confront situations that challenge his beliefs and adapt to vastly different cultural norms. This journey leads him to question his faith, explore his capacity for love outside of his religious boundaries and ultimately redefine his understanding of morality and the divine. Alex/Alec’s character arc is central to the novel’s exploration of identity, faith and personal growth in the face of cosmic uncertainty.
Margrethe Svensdatter Gunderson
Margrethe is a Danish woman who becomes Alex/Alec’s constant companion and love interest throughout their interdimensional travels. She represents a stark contrast to Alex’s initial worldview, embodying a more open-minded, hedonistic approach to life. Margrethe is comfortable with concepts that initially shock Alex, such as casual nudity and sexual freedom. Despite her ‘heathen’ ways, she demonstrates unwavering loyalty, practical wisdom, and a deep capacity for love. Her character serves as a catalyst for Alex’s transformation, challenging his preconceptions and offering a different perspective on morality and faith. Margrethe’s steadfast presence and unconditional acceptance of Alex become a touchstone of stability in their ever-changing reality.
Reader Fit
Job: A Comedy of Justice would appeal to readers who enjoy thought-provoking science fiction that challenges conventional ideas about religion, morality, and the nature of reality. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate satirical takes on religious institutions and bureaucracy.
Fans of philosophical exploration in literature will find the book’s examination of faith, identity and love in the face of cosmic uncertainty engaging. Readers familiar with Heinlein’s other works or those interested in classic science fiction that pushes boundaries and questions societal norms will likely find this book a compelling read.
However, those who are sensitive to religious satire or prefer straightforward narratives might find the book’s approach challenging.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Science Fiction, Religious Satire
- Publication Year: 1984
- Reading Time Estimate: Approximately 10-12 hours (based on an average reading speed of 250-300 words per minute for a book of about 440 pages)
- Notable Awards: Nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1984, Locus Award Nominee for Best Science Fiction Novel in 1985
Related Books
- “Stranger in a Strange Land” by Robert A. Heinlein
- “Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
- “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
Buy the Book
Embark on a mind-bending journey through alternate realities and challenging philosophical questions with Robert A. Heinlein’s “Job: A Comedy of Justice”. This thought-provoking novel will make you laugh, ponder, and perhaps even question your own beliefs.
Don’t miss out on this classic work of science fiction that continues to captivate readers decades after its publication. Get your copy today and prepare for an adventure that transcends the boundaries of space, time, and conventional thinking!
