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Variable Star
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A never-before-published masterpiece from science fiction's greatest writer, rediscovered after more than half a century.
When Joel Johnston first met Jinny Hamilton, it seemed like a dream come true. And when she finally agreed to marry him, he felt like the luckiest man in the universe.
There was just one small problem. He was broke. His only goal in life was to become a c ...more
When Joel Johnston first met Jinny Hamilton, it seemed like a dream come true. And when she finally agreed to marry him, he felt like the luckiest man in the universe.
There was just one small problem. He was broke. His only goal in life was to become a c ...more
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Drastic Irrelevancy Synergism: “Variable Star” by Robert A. Heinlein, Spider Robinson
" 'What is marriage for?'
The car told her she was heading the wrong way; she reversed direction and came back past me toward its voice and pulsing beacon. "Babies, obviously."
I followed her. 'Bingo. Marriage is for making jolly babies, raising them up into successful predators, and then admiring them until they're old enough to reward you with grandch ...more
Drastic Irrelevancy Synergism: “Variable Star” by Robert A. Heinlein, Spider Robinson
" 'What is marriage for?'
The car told her she was heading the wrong way; she reversed direction and came back past me toward its voice and pulsing beacon. "Babies, obviously."
I followed her. 'Bingo. Marriage is for making jolly babies, raising them up into successful predators, and then admiring them until they're old enough to reward you with grandch ...more
Variable Star was an outline found in the papers of Robert A. Heinlein by his family. Spider Robinson was commissioned by RAH’s literary executor to finish the work and he did, publishing the book almost 20 years after the grand master’s death.
My first thought about this is that Robinson did a wonderful job recreating the syntax and style of Heinlein, down to the wisecracking technicality and the human centered hard science fiction storyline. Also endearing was the ubiquitous references to Hein ...more
My first thought about this is that Robinson did a wonderful job recreating the syntax and style of Heinlein, down to the wisecracking technicality and the human centered hard science fiction storyline. Also endearing was the ubiquitous references to Hein ...more
Mar 02, 2014
Carmen
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Science-Fiction Fans
When the impossible happens - when a planet MOVES beneath your feet, and won't stop - when you look up on a gorgeous morning and see something huge fly majestically into the side of a tall building - when a man you buried shows up at your door with a six-pack - you're supposed to feel a primitive terror, a superstitious dread. It's in all the books. You pass out, or vomit, or your bowels and bladder void, or you howl. If the universe is prepared to CHEAT, you're screwed, right? The only other al
...more
This is a novel that Robinson wrote from an outline and notes and fragments that were discovered among Heinlein's papers after his death. I thought Robinson was quite true to Heinlein's beliefs and voice throughout, and he did a good job of telling what would have been a minor Heinlein story. Some of the attitudes and assumptions are dated (and sexist), but one must remember it was created in 1955. It's a nice romantic story, somewhat improbable (aren't they all?), but nicely executed. Not the b
...more
This is my third reading of Variable Star by Robert Heinlein and Spider Robinson. I enjoyed it immensely, and it in the three years since my last read managed to forget how the plot resolves and so it was like enjoying it mostly for the first time.
Robert Heinlein wrote the outline and some index cards for Variable Star in 1955, but never wrote the novel. It was discovered in 2003 and given to Spider Robinson, Heinlein's friend and a great science fiction author himself, to complete.
The blend is ...more
Robert Heinlein wrote the outline and some index cards for Variable Star in 1955, but never wrote the novel. It was discovered in 2003 and given to Spider Robinson, Heinlein's friend and a great science fiction author himself, to complete.
The blend is ...more
http://libromancersapprentice.blogspo...
This may set the record for my quickest time reading a Heinlein novel. I finished reading it at about 2:30AM this morning. I would say it is safe to say that I enjoyed this novel that seems to float between revered and rejected by the Science Fiction community.
In all honesty, I have trouble considering it really a Heinlein novel, as it was written based on 7 pages of outline, a handful of index cards, and a familiarity with Heinlein's voice and style. It d ...more
This may set the record for my quickest time reading a Heinlein novel. I finished reading it at about 2:30AM this morning. I would say it is safe to say that I enjoyed this novel that seems to float between revered and rejected by the Science Fiction community.
In all honesty, I have trouble considering it really a Heinlein novel, as it was written based on 7 pages of outline, a handful of index cards, and a familiarity with Heinlein's voice and style. It d ...more
If you can get past the horrid predictable sexist stuff in this book, you are still left with a horrid predictable book.
This was a book based on a portion of an outline and some notes discovered after Heinlein's death, and written by Spider Robinson.
I was sad that Robinson didn't delve into the various social structures as much as Heinlein would have, so he missed out on what could have been some thought-provoking moments. He also failed to say anything insightful about oh, the end of all human ...more
This was a book based on a portion of an outline and some notes discovered after Heinlein's death, and written by Spider Robinson.
I was sad that Robinson didn't delve into the various social structures as much as Heinlein would have, so he missed out on what could have been some thought-provoking moments. He also failed to say anything insightful about oh, the end of all human ...more
Having read everything Heinlein has written, I was pleased to run across this unfinished work; Spider Robinson has done a creditable job of writing with Heinlein's voice. Initially the story was a bit slow and, I thought, predictable; the romance didn't enthrall me. Things slowly picked up, though, and by the end they moved almost too fast, but it was a fun ride. I found the major plot twist to be rather over-the-top, but Heinlein frequently did, or nearly did that, so I didn't allow it to undul
...more
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Robinson is a funnier writer than Heinlein, quite often I was laughing out loud. But the typical Heinlein plot and elements still made me feel like it was a Heinlein work. I only had two problems with the book. One was right at the end when a character acts completely out of character in order for there to be one final climax in the story. The other was an unnecessary reference to the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I realize many people who read this book (especially Heinlein fans who shar
...more
Maybe more of a 2.5
Never have I picked up a book, not expecting much, but ending up happily surprised, and then extremely disappointed. This book has been patiently lying in wait on my shelves for eight years. The first few chapters were ok, chapters eight through eighteen were wonderful, the last chapters were... ugh.
There were a lot of stupid remarks about women that became fewer and further apart, so I assumed Joel was just growing as a person. Then there was that horrible bit about Indiginou ...more
Never have I picked up a book, not expecting much, but ending up happily surprised, and then extremely disappointed. This book has been patiently lying in wait on my shelves for eight years. The first few chapters were ok, chapters eight through eighteen were wonderful, the last chapters were... ugh.
There were a lot of stupid remarks about women that became fewer and further apart, so I assumed Joel was just growing as a person. Then there was that horrible bit about Indiginou ...more
As a child, I was raised on a steady diet of Robert Heinlein, which my father gladly fed to me to keep me from causing too much trouble and to keep my mind from becoming dull and pedestrian. Reading the unfinished product of the greatest Science Fiction writer of the 20th century, with the over whelming talent of Spider Robinson to fill in the narrative gaps is quite over whelming, literally at times. The pace of the narrative changes from Heinlein's own objective description and 20th century ve
...more
It's a so-so Spider Robinson book, with some of Heinlein's tropes (one used more effectively in both The Door into Summer and Time for the Stars) and a couple of his mannerisms ("Stinky" and "Skinny" as affectionate terms of address to a girlfriend). Some continuity errors, and some very pre-supposed situations which were never identfied. (A rich man is declared to be ruthless, without any explanation of why that is believed. The hero who has been largely clueless throughout the book suddenly de
...more
Joel Johnston has it all. The girl he loves has agreed to marry him. He figures it will take a few years to establish himself as a composer and then they can set a date. But she proposes an alternate plan. When things start to go south, the mental shock sets him on a bender that culminates in him signing on to a colony ship headed to another solar system at just a few hundredths of a percent under the speed of light. Could things get any worse? Actually, yes they could …
As Spider Robinson explai ...more
As Spider Robinson explai ...more
reviews.metaphorosis.com
2.5 stars
Bright teenager Joel Johnston learns something surprising about his beautiful girlfriend, and in consequence makes a rash decision that affects his own future and (indirectly) all of humanity.
I don't know that I've read much Spider Robinson before; maybe a few of his Callahan stories. I have read a lot of Robert Heinlein - most of what there is to read. So I can say with a high degree of confidence that Robinson did a masterful job of producing a new Heinlein no ...more
The good: Spider Robinson (who actually wrote the book from a Heinlein-penned outline) sounds almost Exactly like good ol' RAH. You'd think it Was him if it wasn't for the references to Google and The Simpsons. :}
And, the plot was compelling and possessed of many unexpected twists, even if meandering at times. Lots of stock RAH characters: the irreverent geniuses, the TANSTAAFL-believing rugged individualists, etc.
The bad: How can I put this? Bluntly, I guess! Heinlein wasn't just an atheist, ...more
And, the plot was compelling and possessed of many unexpected twists, even if meandering at times. Lots of stock RAH characters: the irreverent geniuses, the TANSTAAFL-believing rugged individualists, etc.
The bad: How can I put this? Bluntly, I guess! Heinlein wasn't just an atheist, ...more
Don’t believe the cover. This is not a Heinlein novel. It’s a Spider Robinson novel based on an incomplete outline and some notes Heinlein prepared in 1955. It makes for an odd collaboration, but I enjoyed the story. It’s mostly Robinson, though, with a characteristically crude and flawed main character, fond of drink and socially awkward. It includes clichés, snarky asides, and has a first person conversational style that constantly reminds you that this is just a story. Don’t take it seriously
...more
My first Heinlein was Starman Jones and that beginning led me to read almost everything he wrote. I am old enough that I was reading while he still was writing. I know all of the criticisms of him, but I love his books in spite of the criticisms. This book, written by Spider Robinson, is based on a few scant pages of Heinlein's notes but it has the feeling of Heinlein juvenilia. The love Robinson has for RAH is evident in this homage.
I really enjoyed this book. Robinson has a wonderful sense of ...more
I really enjoyed this book. Robinson has a wonderful sense of ...more
oh, dear.
I'm going to be unpopular with this review because as far as i can see everyone else loved it, but it left me feeling vastly disappointed.
Firstly, I'm a HUGE Heinlein fan. I've read everything he ever wrote, own every single one of his books and re-read them regularly. I started with Time Enough for Love in 1977 and i have never looked back. He's a genius, always entertaining, even when there are parts i haven't got a clue what he's on about.
One of Lazarus Long's epigrams in Intermissi ...more
I'm going to be unpopular with this review because as far as i can see everyone else loved it, but it left me feeling vastly disappointed.
Firstly, I'm a HUGE Heinlein fan. I've read everything he ever wrote, own every single one of his books and re-read them regularly. I started with Time Enough for Love in 1977 and i have never looked back. He's a genius, always entertaining, even when there are parts i haven't got a clue what he's on about.
One of Lazarus Long's epigrams in Intermissi ...more
"If you happen to be one of the fretful minority who can do creative work, never force an idea; you'll abort it if you do. Be patient and you'll give birth to it when the time is ripe. Learn to wait."
Robert A. Heinlein
"Finishing" a book left by a dead author almost never works out. While Variable Star was written by Spider Robinson from notes left by the science-fiction superstar, it comes across as more of an homage than a bastard novel.
Joel Johnston is a college student on Earth, hailing fro ...more
Robert A. Heinlein
"Finishing" a book left by a dead author almost never works out. While Variable Star was written by Spider Robinson from notes left by the science-fiction superstar, it comes across as more of an homage than a bastard novel.
Joel Johnston is a college student on Earth, hailing fro ...more
The book is based on an outline of notes Heinlein put together back in 1955. Upon his death, the outline was discovered and given to author Spider Robinson to create a full-length novel.
The protagonist is Joel, who has just graduated from high school (or its future equivalent) and is awaiting a scholarship acceptance so that he may study to be a composer. His high school sweetheart Jinny wants to get married, but he is so poor he cannot justify it. Then Jinny reveals she actually Jinny Conrad, t ...more
The protagonist is Joel, who has just graduated from high school (or its future equivalent) and is awaiting a scholarship acceptance so that he may study to be a composer. His high school sweetheart Jinny wants to get married, but he is so poor he cannot justify it. Then Jinny reveals she actually Jinny Conrad, t ...more
A wonderful Heinlein book. Spider Robinson has taken an 8 page outline that Heinlein abandoned in 1955 and written a story quite well in the voice of Heinlein. For the most part I would never have guessed it wasn't actually Heinlein. One disappointment is the use of some vulgar language (sparingly). This is clearly an outline for Heinlein's juvenile series (and has a lot of stuff from "Time for the Stars") but Spider has added some "modern" elements such as ambiguous sexuality, the use of drugs,
...more
I haven't read too much of Heinlein's work, but what I have read is enough to convince me that this is, in truth, a book by the Grand Master himself. It has much of what I think of as his style, his distinctive feel, and in that regard, Variable Star is excellent. Of course, the flip side of being a Heinlein novel is that it's a Heinlein novel, with much that that implies about the role of women within the story. However, this aspect of the story is necessary to the aforementioned Grand-Master-n
...more
This is the second time I've gone through the audio book version. There's a lot I love about it, but also there's a lot that annoys me. First, Spider Robinson is in love with his bits of music he's included so one has to deal with the reader (who is actually Spider) singing (not particularly well) lyrics written for the novel. That segment goes on far too long near the beginning of the book and then portions re-appear later in the book. Second, Spider gets overly cute in his word choice/descript
...more
It starts very Heinlein-esque; although I was pulled up short by a few more modern turn of phrases (google [as on the computer], something described as sucking, etc), but RAH would have no doubt used google if he were still alive to write, so OK then. I've never read Spider Robinson, so can make no comparisons there.
Set in an off-shoot of the Future History novels, so you will recognize a few names and places: New Frontiers, Leslie LaCroix, Andrew Jackson (Libby, one presumes, since he designs a ...more
Set in an off-shoot of the Future History novels, so you will recognize a few names and places: New Frontiers, Leslie LaCroix, Andrew Jackson (Libby, one presumes, since he designs a ...more
Generally I am not a fan of when an author finishes up another (dead or alive) authors book or takes spare notes, and turns it into a book.
That was the case here. Spider Robinson took 7 or 8 pages of an outline RAH left behind, and fleshed it out into a novel.
In this case however, I thought it was great. I saw the footprints of SR all over it, but it didnt bother me at all. The story had plenty of familiar elements from other RAH books, without feeling like a rehashing of the events of previous ...more
That was the case here. Spider Robinson took 7 or 8 pages of an outline RAH left behind, and fleshed it out into a novel.
In this case however, I thought it was great. I saw the footprints of SR all over it, but it didnt bother me at all. The story had plenty of familiar elements from other RAH books, without feeling like a rehashing of the events of previous ...more
Better than a sharp stick in the eye, but not as good as a the worst Heinlein book (by which I mean Number of the Beast, not the Stinkeroos).
It is well that Robinson does not purport to have created a Heinlein novel. There were too many swears, for one thing, which I thought needlessly disrupted the Heinleinian feel. (I'm not opposed to swearing, but one simply does not picture a Heinlein character uttering an oath stronger than, "bushwah!" or, in great extremity, "damn it all!") And too much o ...more
It is well that Robinson does not purport to have created a Heinlein novel. There were too many swears, for one thing, which I thought needlessly disrupted the Heinleinian feel. (I'm not opposed to swearing, but one simply does not picture a Heinlein character uttering an oath stronger than, "bushwah!" or, in great extremity, "damn it all!") And too much o ...more
Marvelous. A beautiful synergy of Heinlein's early bold cosmic naiveté and Robinson's hippy wonder at the human heart and the cosmos that made it. If you don't read the previews or blurbs it's not as predictable as one might think, and it's full of those delightful witticisms and startling quotes that elevate good SF to intelligent, introspective, thought-provoking literature.
It does, at times, get a little straight-forward or convenient, and did feel like it rushed towards the 'end' a bit. But ...more
It does, at times, get a little straight-forward or convenient, and did feel like it rushed towards the 'end' a bit. But ...more
Nov 15, 2010
Jeff
rated it
really liked it
Recommends it for:
Camille, Tom, Brian, Kevin
Recommended to Jeff by:
Discovered at a book sale
Shelves:
science-fiction
Take the solid and trusted frame of a Heinlein "Juvenile" and give it to one of the punningest and positivistic writers in the genre today to fill in and flesh out. From this rare and unusual pairing you get Variable Star a sum that is more than its parts.
The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars was the "deus ex machina" Robinson pulls near the end of the novel and just barely gives a possibly believable reason for. Other than that the way Robinson and Heinlein so smoothly blend ...more
The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars was the "deus ex machina" Robinson pulls near the end of the novel and just barely gives a possibly believable reason for. Other than that the way Robinson and Heinlein so smoothly blend ...more
This book was written from an outline by Robert A. Heinlein. Heinlein wrote his outline for this book in 1955 but put it away and never actually wrote the book. Many years later the outline was found and Spider Robinson was chosen to write a novel from it. I have known of its existence for several years but had never read it. I am a huge Heinlein fan and at one time he was my favorite author. He is still my second favorite author just behind David Weber. I had never read this because I was afrai
...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodreads Librari...: add narrator to audiobook | 3 | 12 | 27. Mai, 19:37 Uhr | |
| The Economy in Variable Star | 1 | 2 | 04. Dezember, 21:00 Uhr | |
| Finally a properly-edited SF book | 4 | 37 | 05. August, 22:23 Uhr | |
| What's the Name o...: Unknown author, science fiction/romantic yet tragic /s | 17 | 76 | 04. August, 17:34 Uhr |
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Robert Anson Heinlein was an American novelist and science fiction writer. Often called "the dean of science fiction writers", he is one of the most popular, influential, and controversial authors of "hard science fiction".
He set a high standard for science and engineering plausibility and helped to raise the genre's standards of literary quality. He was the first SF writer to break into mainstre ...more
He set a high standard for science and engineering plausibility and helped to raise the genre's standards of literary quality. He was the first SF writer to break into mainstre ...more
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