Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
The Golden Globe
Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
John Varley
Class/Genre: Science Fiction
Ace, Oct 1998, $22.95, 425 pp.
In the twenty-third century, Shakespearean actor Sparky Valentine travels the galaxy providing his unique perspective of the classics to what is left of the human experience. Sparky goes from planet to planet, from planetoid to planetoid performing and interpreting the Bard to a normally warm, but usually small audience. Sparky has been known to even do one of Shakespeare's plays on tiny bits of floating rocks. While performing, Sparky has a bit of a reputation for pulling a con or two.
However, this time around Sparky has apparently gone to far. The intergalactic law and the Plutonian-based Charonese Mafia want him even though Sparky is not sure for which stunt(s) has gotten him in trouble. However, though he may have a legal and illegal price on his head, Sparky cannot resist the urge to return home to perform in a real live production of King Lear.
THE GOLDEN GLOBE is a strange but fun to read science fiction tale that provides a wonderful new anti-hero to fans. The story line demonstrates why John Varley is a multi award-winning author and the support cast makes our solar system seem as if it is fully inhabited. However, what makes Mr. Varley's novel so special is that stellar actor Sparky, who has performed just about every role (regardless of sex, age, national origin, or physical shape) Shakespeare has scribed. A fun time to be had by genre fans.
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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