The Golden Globe is yet another Heinleinesque romp through the imagination of John Varley. Of all the current science fiction writers, Varley is the one who attempts Heinlein like book the most. Many writers love Heinlein, but few attempt to write in a style like the Heinlein juveniles. Varley even named a group of anarchist types in the book as Heinleiners. But did Varley make the book work?

Kenneth Valentine is an actor. He’s not only a great actor, but he also has implants in his face and body that will let him emulate many different body types (and gender). He’s also a con man who’s on the run from the law for an old murder charge. Valentine also used to be known as Sparky, the leader of a gang of kids on one of the most popular kid’s shows in the solar system. And he has a tyrant of a father named John, who has no business or common sense, but is one of the best actors ever. Our hero travels among the outer areas of the solar system pulling cons, trying to find old bank accounts and acting wherever possible.

The flashbacks to Sparky’s show provide a large portion of the book and as we get closer to the end of Sparky’s show, we get closer to the mystery around the murder and the events in that time frame. The book mostly works, but just doesn’t have the Heinlein touch, wit or spark. Characters, outside the main character, are not developed well and the story kind of meanders around until the plot kicks in during the last 60 pages or so. And the plot issues are my biggest concern with the story. During the majority of the book, it’s a simple travel narrative with flashbacks. Then, out of nowhere, the plot kicks in near the end and a story pops out. If the plot was distributed better throughout the book, then it would be a much better read.

Having said that it’s a fun book that is worth reading. But it’s a lightweight story that doesn’t really do a lot or expect a lot from the reader. Mildly recommended.