It’s the year 2100 and there’s a diplomatic crisis on Mars. Only one man can maintain galactic peace and prevent interplanetary war between the Martians and humans– an unemployed actor who gets embroiled in the plot when he accepts a drink from a spaceman.
“It seems to me that every time those scientific laddies get busy with their slide rules life becomes more complicated.”
Oh yes, this is retro science-fiction, a space western straight out of the fifties. And yet, the plot is surprisingly sound as actor Lorenzo Smythe takes on the job of impersonating an important politician. Kidnapping, fainting ladies, rousing speeches, spaceships, Martians and more… this book has it all.
Why is this on our bookshelf?
We love Martians! Reading retro sci-fi… surely there are few things geekier than that. Actually, this book won the 1957 Hugo Award at World Con– the third Hugo award ever given.
Robert Heinlein is known for his famous science fiction works, including Stranger in a Strange Land, Starship Troopers and The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.
Rating (4 stars)
While Double Star is not the most well known of Robert Heinlein’s famous works, but I enjoyed reading it. Written in 1956, it was such an ridiculous mix of the quaint and futuristic, it ended up being great.
Eisenhower is mentioned more frequently than you would expect in the year 2100. The ladies will forgive assault and battery, but are easily insulted by language. Although there is video calling, you have to answer that call from a phonebooth.
The plot itself was well-written, but my favorite part had to be the retro moments.
Read this book:
on your path to reading all the Hugo award winners.
Don't Read this book:
if 1950s sexism drives you to feminist rages.
Once you're done, do this:
Imagine Mars Curiosity stumbling on Kkkahgral the Younger, the equivalent of a patron saint to the Martians.
