Read Time: 2 Minutes
Simultaneously a great book and one of the more frustrating listens I’ve had in a while, “Gateway” by Frederik Pohl had been sitting on my “to read” list for some time. I finally decided to drop a credit on it.
This novel blends thought-provoking psychological introspection with high-stakes space exploration, all wrapped up in a classic sci-fi style that’s more character-driven than action-packed.
Set in a future where humanity has discovered an alien space station filled with mysterious starships, we’re using the abandoned alien technology for exploration and profit.
The “Heechee” ships have a kind of preprogrammed and unknown destination – in that you can travel anywhere that activates the ship, but where it goes and what you’ll find when you get there is anyone’s guess. If you’re lucky, you could discover alien tech and be set for life… if you’re not then you may return empty handed, if you return alive at all.
The psychological aspects of the story, follow the protagonist Rob’s therapy sessions, as he works through deep issues with the help of a robot psychologist.
These chapters are interwoven with the earlier in his life when he was at the Gateway and trying to get up the courage to take his chances in a ship.
The psych sessions were okay, if a little weird. The interesting stuff happened on the Gateway, but this is where the frustration really kicked in. It took so long to actually get in ship and go somewhere that at times I did wonder if I could be bothered to go on.
I did though, and even though there are more in the series I think this is where I’ll be getting off. I did enjoy the story, but I really don’t want any more set in this universe, or at least written this way.
It works well as a standalone novel, so for that it’s worth a listen. I’ll probably revisit again in the future, but I’ll likely skip through some of the chapters.