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)

Not a great effort...not awful either.

I have two issues with this novel. Let's get the narration out of the way first. Spider Robinson is a fun writer most times. He is however quite lacking as a narrator. Perhaps it is simply I do not take to his habit of speaking with an odd and inconsistent cadence. to me his speaking lacks real rhythm. I simply find myself distracted because I am spending more time thinking "...this guy needs to have three less pots coffee's before reading and to SLOW DOWN..." So, basically the narration style is distracting...for me.

Now, the second part is...the story is plodding and very predictable. It is not even to the level of a RAH junior novel. The basic story line is not much different than Citizen of the Galaxy. Maybe because it was likely the work Heinlein used to write Citizen. This story seemed to lack any real focus or, strangely enough, no character development. If anything Heinlein was a master at developing humanist SF. And, sure this is not RAH's work really. But for me it was simply Spider Robinson piggy backing the RAH name. A valiant effort for certain. It simply feel far short of a solid novel for me.

And Spider, please slow down and enunciate...you know your works...give us that not some that feels, well, in a hurry to get back to the bar where you can cash the extra check for doing the narration.

I just feel badly for writing such a negative review...but I was greatly disappointed in this audiobook and story. I do think it is worth a listen if you lower your expectations somewhat.

Variable quality

Spider Robinson speaks way too fast. I had trouble following the story because of the breakneck speed of the narration. Parts of the story seemed familiar, containing many puns and phrases RAH used in other novels. Not sorry I bought it, and I want to thank Nr Robinson for completing it for us.

Comfort book

The first time I read this book over 10 years ago, I thought I was a little goofy. Throughout the years I always found myself randomly remembering little snippets and going back over to reread the novel more than 18 times. This has become my go to book whenever I just want to relax and know I’m going to enjoy the story. Glad it’s now part of my Audible collection and will not leave my library. I’m sure others will not feel the way I do about this book, but all I can say is that it is one of my most favorites and cannot recommend it enough.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Finally an author I enjoy as much as Robert Heinlein

I had not discovered Spider Robinson until searching for a Heinlein I didn’t know like the back of my hand yielded this masterpiece. I am so happy I now have 32 new books to look forward too. Thank You Mr Robinson.

Old-Timey Scifi feel.

This book feels like it was written in the 1950s, which was when it had its plot skeleton made so that makes sense. Its an interesting concept and has some very well fleshed out characters.

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.