Hugo Award Best Novel Winner

Double Star

by Robert A. Heinlein

Summary

An out of work actor is hired to impersonate a kidnapped politician on Mars, then finds himself drawn ever deeper into the role and its responsibilities. Heinlein uses the premise to explore identity, duty, and the way playing a part can reshape the person who plays it. The novel moves at a brisk pace and stands among his most accessible and tightly constructed works.

Historical Context & Significance

It was the first of four Best Novel Hugo Awards that Robert A. Heinlein would win during his career, a record for the category.