Book Review: GLORY ROAD by Robert A. Heinlein
What happened to the hero AFTER he saved the kingdom.
Robert A. Heinlein’s novel GLORY ROAD (1963) is an adult "portal fantasy" that still holds up. It is humorous, inventive and entertaining.
The protagonist of the story, a mercenary named Gordon, returns from fighting in Southeast Asia (probably Vietnam). He feels alienated from 1960s society at the beginning of the hippie era, and is looking for something to do with his life.
Then he discovers a mysterious newspaper ad, promising dangerous adventures for a volunteer hero:
”ARE YOU A COWARD? This is not for you. We badly need a brave man. He must be 23 to 25 years old, in perfect health, at least six feet tall, weigh about 190 pounds, fluent English with some French, proficient with all weapons, some knowledge of engineering and mathematics essential, willing to travel, no family or emotional ties, indomitably courageous and handsome of face and figure. Permanent employment, very high pay, glorious adventure, great danger. You must apply in person...”
Gordon answers the ad... and is transported to a fantasy universe. A beautiful royal woman takes him on a quest to reclaim a priceless magical treasure from an evil sorcerer/demon.
After many strange and dangerous (and occasionally bizarre) adventures, Gordon triumphs. But then comes the twist: What happens to the hero after he saves the kingdom and marries the queen? It gets complicated, and not at all what he expected...
The author Heinlein is clearly having fun when he plays with the fantasy genre. And he keeps his tendency to deliver long-winded lectures somewhat under control (maybe he had a good editor).
In order to appreciate GLORY ROAD, you must not come at it expecting a "Tolkien"-type fantasy story. You can also say that it's "postmodern" in that it seems aware of its own preposterousness. It is also greater than the sum of its parts.
(I came across a critic who speculated that GLORY ROAD inspired Stephen King's THE DARK TOWER. That may be true, but I haven't read King's novel.)
Recommended for adult readers (this is not fantasy for children) with a sense of humor.