Double Star

Written in 1956, Double Star by Robert A. Heinlein went on to win that years Hugo Award. This was the third Hugo given out and went a long way in establishing what makes a Hugo winner. Like the movies of its time, this novel depends on the skill of the author rather than flashy special effects. There is very little "science" in this science fiction, yes there are rocket ships and trips to the moon and to Mars, and yes there are "Martians," but these are just window dressing, at its heart this is a political thriller, in much the same way as The Manchurian Candidate.

Although at 127 pages, this novel barely qualifies as a "Novel," (I have read novellas that were longer.) Mr. Heinlein was able to pack quite a bit of plot into this small package. As with Caves of Steel, my previous experience with this decade's novels this novel has held up well to the test of time, baring the scene where a political advisor uses a slide rule to determine the outcome of an election.

Which brings me to a "sticky wicket." I have basically, if not ignored than at least marginalized this decades novels in the past, privately viewing the decade as full of pulp, good for a quick read but in general not much to write home to. And for some novels this is the case, but in general I have enjoyed getting to know the "Grandfathers" of science fiction better.

4 of 5 stars

PS This is the 100th book I have read this year.