The Cat Who Walks Through Walls (The World As Myth) Summary & Key Insights

Robert A. Heinlein's "The Cat Who Walks Through Walls" (often referred to as The World as Myth) is a complex and sprawling novel defying easy categorization. It's a blend of spy thriller, science fiction, fantasy, and philosophical exploration, following the adventures of the enigmatic protagonist, Richard "Piz" Seaton. Piz isn't a typical hero; he's a charming rogue, a master of disguise and deception, equally comfortable infiltrating a high-stakes political meeting or manipulating a magical artifact.

The narrative jumps across time and locations, weaving together seemingly disparate events. A core plot revolves around Piz's involvement in a centuries-old organization, the "Underhill," a shadowy group that manipulates world events from behind the scenes. He is deeply connected to this group through his heritage and possesses abilities he doesn't fully understand, including the ability to seemingly walk through walls and traverse time, aided by a cryptic feline companion.

Piz's journeys take him to various locales and eras, encountering a colorful cast of characters. Among them are: his wife, Gladys, who shares his unconventional nature and often plays a crucial role in his missions; the seemingly immortal and mischievous "Pussyfoot," his feline companion; and numerous adversaries and allies from various historical periods, including powerful figures involved in shaping global events.

The overarching theme is the exploration of reality itself. Heinlein blurs the lines between myth, history, and science fiction, suggesting that our perceived reality is merely one interpretation of a much larger, more complex truth. Piz's seemingly fantastical abilities raise questions about the nature of time, space, and consciousness, inviting the reader to question the limitations of their own understanding of the world.

The novel’s narrative structure reflects this theme; it's deliberately fragmented and non-linear, mirroring the fragmented nature of memory and the elusive truth Piz seeks. His missions involve unraveling conspiracies, manipulating events, and rescuing significant individuals, all within the context of the Underhill's hidden agenda. He confronts powerful, often malevolent entities who are trying to control history for their own gain.

Ultimately, "The Cat Who Walks Through Walls" isn't about a clear-cut victory or defeat. It's a journey of self-discovery for Piz, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions and the weight of his heritage. The novel concludes ambiguously, leaving the reader to contemplate the larger implications of its themes, questioning the nature of reality, the power of illusion, and the responsibilities that come with manipulating the course of history. The "cat" acts as a symbol of this fluidity, its seemingly supernatural abilities mirroring the novel's blurring of established boundaries and the endless possibilities contained within a seemingly coherent reality.