Variable Star

By: Robert A. Heinlein, Spider Robinson

Narrated by: Spider Robinson

Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

At his death in 1988, Robert A. Heinlein left a legacy of novels and short stories that almost single-handedly defined modern science fiction. But one of Heinlein's masterpieces was never finished. In 1955, he began work on Variable Star, a powerful and passionate tale of two young lovers driven apart by pride, power, and the vastness of interstellar time and space. Then he set it aside to focus on other novellas.

The detailed outline and notes he created for this project lay forgotten for decades, only to be rediscovered almost a half century later. Now the Heinlein estate has authorized award-winning author Spider Robinson to expand that outline into a full-length novel. The result is vintage Heinlein, faithful in style and spirit to the Grand Master's original vision.

©2006 The Robert A. and Virginia Heinlein Prize Trust and Spider Robinson (P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"I'd nominate Spider Robinson as the new Robert Heinlein." ( New York Times)

Spider is Wonderful

So, I couldv'e done without the very short political shots taken, but beyond that, this book is awesome. Spider's narration is melodic enough for you to think you'll doze off, but the story flows beautifully from his lips and you find yourself deeply involved in Joel's (Main Character)life. This book held my attention better than any other I have listened to.
At the most traumatic moment in this book It hit so hard that the blood drained from my face and a tear sprang to my eye. It was heart wrenching even though only fiction.
Although the basic story was R A Heinlein's, this was truly a great Spider Robinson Book.

Imaginative and interesting

Would you consider the audio edition of Variable Star to be better than the print version?

haven't read the print version

What other book might you compare Variable Star to and why?

As good as Heinlein's books and other science fiction. It was very imaginative.

Have you listened to any of Spider Robinson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Really good performance by Spider Robinson.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It was enjoyable and kept my interest.

Best book ever

Spider Robinson rules! This book is for anyone who enjoys a good plot, and appreciates science fiction humor.

Heinlien! thank you Mr Robinson!

i never thought there would be any more. Thank you all involved! FOOD FOR MY SOUL.

A visit from old, but beautiful and wise, friends

I started reading this when originally released, but went thru a traumatic event and put it down before I could finish it. Then after everything had settled, I thought I had finished it. What a delight to get half way thru and realize this was new content authored by two old friends from different generations. Thank you for the story! You can see the seed of several RAH stories in this one, but it is like going home again.

Great audio book

I'm a huge Heilein fan, and Spider made be very happy with this book. I'm just sad that there won't be any more Heinlein books. Now I'm going to check out some of Spider's other books.

What a surprise…

This felt like real Heinlein. If you are a fan, it is a must read. It is also contemporary, which is nice, since much of Heinlein has aged awkwardly. I enjoyed the story. The science sucks...but otherwise this was interesting, enjoyable, and funny.

Spider Robinson Lives Up to His Billing

Yes, he really IS the true successor to Heinlein. I've known so since reading "Lady Slings the Booze". I remember checking the cover several times to make sure that it wasn't actually R.A.H. who had been the author. When I read the description of the background of this book, my reaction was "Well, who else could even come close?" I was not dissapointed. This is vintage Heinlein presented by his top pupil. Well done, Spider Robinson, or as they say in the Navy, Bravo Zulu!

A masterpiece! By 2 great authors RAH

Great story! Excellent psychology & science definably a repeat read. Spider Robinson weaves an excellent tale w Robert Heinlein. Thank you.

This is my 2nd listen of this book. It's a fun but

fast pace, for Heinlein would be the best craft in the 1950 to ? It was cute.