In the distant future, Earth and Jupiter have been invaded by aliens. Humanity is displaced to the Moon, the other planets and their moons, collectively called The Eight Worlds. As a former child vid-star fallen on hard times, “Sparky” Valentine is reduced to two-bit parts in obscure productions staged in the outer planets. Some of the most interesting parts of his life are told as dream sequences, during space liner hibernations as he travels between the planets.These worlds provide the other stage, where Sparky struts and tells a tale of sound and fury, signifying something. Slowly, the book reveals that Sparky and Toby, his dog, are on the run due to their nearly endless scams and one unmentionable crime committed during Sparky’s stardom. Through his travels, Sparky, the child-star, grows up and becomes a person in his own right, acknowledging his responsibilities and his crime.
If you play “Trivial Pursuit”, you need to read this book. There are numerous reference to old TV shows, commercial jingles, popular songs and every movie made by Jimmy Stewart. Not all the references are accurate, so it will be a challenge. Some history and pop culture were lost during The Invasion and the rest was warped with each telling. For example, I never knew that Guy Fawkes was the Norwegian who invented gunpowder. Penny for the Guy?
Civilization is slowly crumbling and sliding into the gutter. I’m not surprised the majority of humanity lives in brutal, Bladerunner-like squalor, but I had hoped the average IQ would be significantly higher than a houseplant. The cure for these social ills leaps upon the unsuspecting reader during the last few pages of the book. The build up to the solution is pretty subtle.
I enjoyed this irreverent and deliciously bawdy book. I’m just not sure how I feel about fandom saving humanity. In the meantime, I’m going to get tickets at Shakespeare's "The Golden Globe" for the next performance of "The Five-Minute Bard".
I'll save you a seat.
<*> Ariann <*>