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Future History or "Heinlein Timeline" #14
Suchscheinwerfer
Verloren auf dem Mond
Elizabeth Barnes, das blinde Wunderkind am Klavier, ist auf Tournee über den Mond. Doch das Schiff, das sie von einer Basis zur nächsten bringen soll, verschwindet von den Radarschirmen, und eine beispiellose Suchaktion beginnt …
Die Kurzgeschichte „Suchscheinwerfer“ erscheint als exklusives E-Book Only bei Heyne und ist zusammen mit weiteren Stories und Romanen von Robert A. Heinlein auch in dem Sammelband „Die Geschichte der Zukunft“ enthalten. Sie umfasst ca. 6 Buchseiten.
Elizabeth Barnes, das blinde Wunderkind am Klavier, ist auf Tournee über den Mond. Doch das Schiff, das sie von einer Basis zur nächsten bringen soll, verschwindet von den Radarschirmen, und eine beispiellose Suchaktion beginnt …
Die Kurzgeschichte „Suchscheinwerfer“ erscheint als exklusives E-Book Only bei Heyne und ist zusammen mit weiteren Stories und Romanen von Robert A. Heinlein auch in dem Sammelband „Die Geschichte der Zukunft“ enthalten. Sie umfasst ca. 6 Buchseiten.
63 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1962
10 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Robert A. Heinlein
1,060 books10.6k followersRobert Anson Heinlein was an American science fiction author, aeronautical engineer, and naval officer. Sometimes called the "dean of science fiction writers", he was among the first to emphasize scientific accuracy in his fiction, and was thus a pioneer of the subgenre of hard science fiction. His published works, both fiction and non-fiction, express admiration for competence and emphasize the value of critical thinking. His plots often posed provocative situations which challenged conventional social mores. His work continues to have an influence on the science-fiction genre, and on modern culture more generally.
Heinlein became one of the first American science-fiction writers to break into mainstream magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post in the late 1940s. He was one of the best-selling science-fiction novelists for many decades, and he, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clarke are often considered the "Big Three" of English-language science fiction authors. Notable Heinlein works include Stranger in a Strange Land, Starship Troopers (which helped mold the space marine and mecha archetypes) and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. His work sometimes had controversial aspects, such as plural marriage in The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, militarism in Starship Troopers and technologically competent women characters who were formidable, yet often stereotypically feminine—such as Friday.
Heinlein used his science fiction as a way to explore provocative social and political ideas and to speculate how progress in science and engineering might shape the future of politics, race, religion, and sex. Within the framework of his science-fiction stories, Heinlein repeatedly addressed certain social themes: the importance of individual liberty and self-reliance, the nature of sexual relationships, the obligation individuals owe to their societies, the influence of organized religion on culture and government, and the tendency of society to repress nonconformist thought. He also speculated on the influence of space travel on human cultural practices.
Heinlein was named the first Science Fiction Writers Grand Master in 1974. Four of his novels won Hugo Awards. In addition, fifty years after publication, seven of his works were awarded "Retro Hugos"—awards given retrospectively for works that were published before the Hugo Awards came into existence. In his fiction, Heinlein coined terms that have become part of the English language, including grok, waldo and speculative fiction, as well as popularizing existing terms like "TANSTAAFL", "pay it forward", and "space marine". He also anticipated mechanical computer-aided design with "Drafting Dan" and described a modern version of a waterbed in his novel Beyond This Horizon.
Also wrote under Pen names: Anson McDonald, Lyle Monroe, Caleb Saunders, John Riverside and Simon York.
Heinlein became one of the first American science-fiction writers to break into mainstream magazines such as The Saturday Evening Post in the late 1940s. He was one of the best-selling science-fiction novelists for many decades, and he, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clarke are often considered the "Big Three" of English-language science fiction authors. Notable Heinlein works include Stranger in a Strange Land, Starship Troopers (which helped mold the space marine and mecha archetypes) and The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. His work sometimes had controversial aspects, such as plural marriage in The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, militarism in Starship Troopers and technologically competent women characters who were formidable, yet often stereotypically feminine—such as Friday.
Heinlein used his science fiction as a way to explore provocative social and political ideas and to speculate how progress in science and engineering might shape the future of politics, race, religion, and sex. Within the framework of his science-fiction stories, Heinlein repeatedly addressed certain social themes: the importance of individual liberty and self-reliance, the nature of sexual relationships, the obligation individuals owe to their societies, the influence of organized religion on culture and government, and the tendency of society to repress nonconformist thought. He also speculated on the influence of space travel on human cultural practices.
Heinlein was named the first Science Fiction Writers Grand Master in 1974. Four of his novels won Hugo Awards. In addition, fifty years after publication, seven of his works were awarded "Retro Hugos"—awards given retrospectively for works that were published before the Hugo Awards came into existence. In his fiction, Heinlein coined terms that have become part of the English language, including grok, waldo and speculative fiction, as well as popularizing existing terms like "TANSTAAFL", "pay it forward", and "space marine". He also anticipated mechanical computer-aided design with "Drafting Dan" and described a modern version of a waterbed in his novel Beyond This Horizon.
Also wrote under Pen names: Anson McDonald, Lyle Monroe, Caleb Saunders, John Riverside and Simon York.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 26, 2021
A blind piano prodigy touring the moon has been lost in some unknown transport accident. With only six hours of reserve air and no emergency signal being sent, odds of finding her are alive slim. A desperate team must concoct a clever plan tailored to the girl's unique abilities (circumventing her lack of vision) if they are to find her in time...
This classic, short sci-fi tale takes the "economy of words" concept to a whole new level. If I hadn't already known that Heinlein was forced to trim this down to the barest essentials in order to suit a publication's inflexible word count cap, I may have been tempted to whine about the lack of descriptions and details. But I DO know, and so instead I have to marvel at his ingenuity. The story is set up as a multi-way non-visual communication between collaborating rescuers--all frantically working toward the same goal. While a more fleshed-out version would have likely been more fascinating and emotionally gripping to read--especially considering there's a child's life at stake--I think it deserves to be considered for its own craft merits.
Highlights: I rather loved that the blind girl's father told the President to shut up and let the nice, qualified people do their jobs. Only he could have gotten away with it, and he didn't pass up the opportunity. (Nor would any parent in the same situation, one would hope.)
And the honest element of an accidental blind joke--which only the blind girl laughs at. <3
Brilliant. Heartening. Timeless.
This classic, short sci-fi tale takes the "economy of words" concept to a whole new level. If I hadn't already known that Heinlein was forced to trim this down to the barest essentials in order to suit a publication's inflexible word count cap, I may have been tempted to whine about the lack of descriptions and details. But I DO know, and so instead I have to marvel at his ingenuity. The story is set up as a multi-way non-visual communication between collaborating rescuers--all frantically working toward the same goal. While a more fleshed-out version would have likely been more fascinating and emotionally gripping to read--especially considering there's a child's life at stake--I think it deserves to be considered for its own craft merits.
Highlights: I rather loved that the blind girl's father told the President to shut up and let the nice, qualified people do their jobs. Only he could have gotten away with it, and he didn't pass up the opportunity. (Nor would any parent in the same situation, one would hope.)
And the honest element of an accidental blind joke--which only the blind girl laughs at. <3
Brilliant. Heartening. Timeless.
February 15, 2017
"Searchlight" is a very short science fiction story by Robert A. Heinlein about a little blind girl whose spaceship crashes on the Moon. The search for her takes advantage of her prodigious musical ability to locate her.
It was originally written in 1962 as part of an advertisement for Hoffman Electronics. Heinlein says that because it was so short it was much harder to write than writing novels. Perhaps because of this, it was the last short story Heinlein wrote; the remaining quarter-century of his career was devoted to writing novels and non-fiction essays.
It was originally written in 1962 as part of an advertisement for Hoffman Electronics. Heinlein says that because it was so short it was much harder to write than writing novels. Perhaps because of this, it was the last short story Heinlein wrote; the remaining quarter-century of his career was devoted to writing novels and non-fiction essays.
December 24, 2019
Selbst in seinen Kurzgeschichten beweist Heinlein, dass er verdientermassen zu den Klassikern der Sci-Fi-Literatur gehört. Kurz und prägnant bringt er seine Ideen zu Papier und die Kürze ist hier sogar von Vorteil, da dies die Handlung intensiviert.
Heinlein ist ein Grossmeister und definitiv lesenswert!
Heinlein ist ein Grossmeister und definitiv lesenswert!
March 19, 2021
A very short story, but a cool idea.
December 28, 2024
Una niña se pierde en la luna, la buscan con el uso de luz y notas musicales. Esta bien para lo corta que es.
July 7, 2023
A genuine moonbat… Be sure to read the afterward in “Expanded Universe”, it’s more interesting than the story itself.
January 27, 2025
#13/Rayo de luz (1962)
Periodo en que está basada: 2000
Betsy Barnes, una niña invidente y prodigio del piano, realiza una gira por la luna. En unos de los trayectos entre estaciones, ocurre un accidente en su Jeep – cohete y se pierde. La solución para encontrarla y contactar con ella será un láser adaptado como radar con una onda de radio frecuencia para comunicarse con la pianista, que será modulable en las 88 notas de la escala del piano para localizarla en la zona dónde se halla.
BREVE Y SIMPÁTICA HISTORIA DE RESCATE LUNAR CON UN SISTEMA ADAPTADO A LAS NECESIDADES Y DÉFICITS DE LA PERSONA PERDIDA.
Avances y/ o predicciones tecnológicas:
· Láser con radio frecuencia modulable
Avances y/ o predicciones sociales:
·Exportación de espectáculos tierra - luna
Periodo en que está basada: 2000
Betsy Barnes, una niña invidente y prodigio del piano, realiza una gira por la luna. En unos de los trayectos entre estaciones, ocurre un accidente en su Jeep – cohete y se pierde. La solución para encontrarla y contactar con ella será un láser adaptado como radar con una onda de radio frecuencia para comunicarse con la pianista, que será modulable en las 88 notas de la escala del piano para localizarla en la zona dónde se halla.
BREVE Y SIMPÁTICA HISTORIA DE RESCATE LUNAR CON UN SISTEMA ADAPTADO A LAS NECESIDADES Y DÉFICITS DE LA PERSONA PERDIDA.
Avances y/ o predicciones tecnológicas:
· Láser con radio frecuencia modulable
Avances y/ o predicciones sociales:
·Exportación de espectáculos tierra - luna
June 30, 2016
Searchlight by Robert A. Heinlein is…. Well the very definition of a short story. It’s around 8 pages. So yes SHORT is in caps.
It’s about a blind girl stranded on the moon who search crews are trying to find. The way they do it is well done, but. Well it is literally that. Girl is lost, crew tries to find her, and figures out a clever way to do it.
Not a deep story, not a long story, and I’d argue it isn’t a major story. Great to include in an anthology, but while I might read it again due to length, it’s a one trick pony that while having a clever trick, it’s hard to forget what it is.
It’s about a blind girl stranded on the moon who search crews are trying to find. The way they do it is well done, but. Well it is literally that. Girl is lost, crew tries to find her, and figures out a clever way to do it.
Not a deep story, not a long story, and I’d argue it isn’t a major story. Great to include in an anthology, but while I might read it again due to length, it’s a one trick pony that while having a clever trick, it’s hard to forget what it is.
March 11, 2018
This one was just a little too short. I did not feel the sense of drama. Not enough conflict resolution.
Have a GoodReads.
Have a GoodReads.
August 29, 2018
Very short short story but quite nice. I've read a german translation that felt clumsy to me and suppose that Heinlein's original story is better to read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews