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)

Wow. It is as if Heinlien wrote another novel.

Very. well done. Quick wit, funny, and good plot twists. Excellent narration. I am going to listen to it again.

60+ years of Heinlein

This is at least the fourth time I have enjoyed this book. I started SF in second grade and by the end of sixth grade I had read every SF book in the Los Angeles County Library system. My mother signed a special release so I could check out "adult" books. I have watched and read many SF writers over the years and feel that Spider Robinson has definitely captured the essence of Heinlein in the completion of this book. I re-read/re-listen to many of the books I have in my library, and this will be one of them, not because I don't remember the story line but because each time I find that I have missed or was not yet receptive to the material being presented. I believe that is why people call me a "young 70"

Amazing

I loved everything it had to offer. I first found Spider Robinson about 15 years ago when I bought a game supplement for GURPS it took 9 more years before a came across one of his books in a building basment book shelf. His books and friends lead me to Heilein and this was an amazing blend of their thoughts.

Classic, pure and simple classic!

I think Robert would have loved it!
Mr. Robinson captured the intent perfectly.
It would have been horrible to have lost such a classic.

Must Read

I listened to this book just after finishing "Have Spacesuit Will Travel." I was blown away by how well Spider Robinson captured the feel and pacing of Robert Heinlein in writing this story. Having loaded both books into my MP3 player, I went from the end of one to the start of the other . . . and it was pretty nice.

I would suggest you take the time to listen to this story.

Kudos!

My hat's off to Spider Robinson. Written after Heinlein's death (but from his extensive notes), this has the authentic voice -- than which there is no better.

A small Problem

I just love Variable Star, And Spider Roberson is great. The story has a good plot. But there is a small problem. I do not believe Robert A. Heinlein every used four letter words in his other story, and if he had finished this one I do not think he would have used them in Variable Star. Beside that, I think it a great book.

Excelllent Sci-Fi

This brings back the granduer of Heinlein and melds beautifully with Robinson's style. This book crosses age boundaries to reach young and old. I loved the twists and the imbellishments within the story line. Great Book

GOB BLESS SPIDER

As a devout RAH fan I had some serious doubts as to it even being possible for anyone to pick up on a Heinline thought and bring it to bring to anything more entertaining than you r run of the mill sci-fi television show, but Spider Robison does the most amazing job in this book as both “coauthor” and narrator.

I really hope Spider takes the time to come back to this novel, yes there are many unanswered questions.

I would defiantly recommend this book to any Sci-Fi Reader, possibly even to someone’s first taste of the genre.

Great Listen

I think that Spider Robinson should read all of his and Robert Heinlein's books to us! Not only is he a great writer but he reads with the passion of a true fan. And when he's reading his own works I can truly hear the characters come to life. Thank you Spider! Thank you!