|
I know I've been writing a lot lately about authors that have been
around for simply ages. However a lot of the new stuff I've read recently
just hasn't hit the spot.
Jack Vance, however, knows just how to scratch this reader's itch. The
only fault I could find with Ports of Call was that it was just too
short. There's just got to be a sequel!
Myron Tany has been space-struck since he was young. While going to
school at the Varley Institute, he lives with his great aunt Hester. When
she sues a wealthy socialite for slander, she receives a space yacht in
payment for the debt. Myron attempts to interest her in a cruise, but to
no avail. Then she discovers an article in "Innovative Salubrity"
magazine about a cure for aging and starts planning a trip herself. Myron
is not invited
He current boyfriend, Dauncy Covarth, is helping her plan the trip.
In order to get a ride, Myron exposes Dauncy for the duplicitous posier
he is. At the last minute, Dame Hester almost takes back the faithless
Covarth, but Myron has his way and they set out for a voyage to the
hidden clinic.
Along the way aunt Hester gets bored and insists on stopping to see
the sights. On an otherwise useless world, she finds a new boyfriend.
When Myron tries to give him the bums rush, he finds himself put ashore
with just the fare to get home. That's when the fun begins.
Myron doesn't just want to buy a ticket and go home. He wants
to work his way home aboard a tramp spacer. Even though he's a bit
"over qualified," having been the Captain of aunt Hester's
ship, he finds a tub to take him on. Their many ports of call provide
the backdrop of another Jack Vance space opera about the Gaean Reach.
Mr. Vance is in fine form with this one. I can't wait for the rest
of this tale!
|
