Instruct: Classify Amazon reviews into positive or negative sentiment
Query: Number of the Beast

Having read many of the reviews of this book, I am baffled at the number of negative ones. If you don't like it, fair enough, but many seem directed at Heinlein himself or seem disappointed that the book wasn't what they had expected.It is long and rambling and there isn't a great deal in the way of plot. However, the book is driven by the charecters and the inclusion of many old favourites was mostwelcome. Having read most of the Heinlein stories referred to, the references made sense but, although I can appreciate that they may leave novice Heinlein readers wondering, so do a number of his books. The only answer is to seek the stories out.I am a great fan of Heinlein's work and I consider this to be one of the best examples of his novel-writing. It requires some patience at times but is well worth it. I only wish he had had time to give us more.