Star of Gypsies
Worth buying if: You enjoy Robert Silverberg's lyrical worldbuilding and moral ambiguity.
Skip it if: You expect straightforward hard science explanations or modern technothrillers.
Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780917657924. The Amazon link uses this ISBN, so the product page should open to the edition shown here.
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Summary
In Star of Gypsies (1986), Silverberg blends archaeological intrigue and speculative myth: a scholar tracking an ancient artifact becomes entangled with Romani legends, desert rites, and shifting loyalties as the titular star's power reshapes lives and loyalties.
Why this book now
Revisit Silverberg's 1986 novel at Penguin USA for a richly imagined fusion of archaeological mystery and mythic speculative fiction that still resonates with readers of literary-l.
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Best for readers who...
Good fit if you want...
- You enjoy Robert Silverberg's lyrical worldbuilding and moral ambiguity.
- You want an archaeologist-led quest framed around a mysterious 'star' artifact.
- You expect straightforward hard science explanations or modern technothrillers.
- You prefer fast-paced action without introspective ethnographic and mythic passages.
- You are specifically hunting for the newest framing rather than a backlist perspective.
Decided it fits?
Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780917657924
Worth buying if: You enjoy Robert Silverberg's lyrical worldbuilding and moral ambiguity.
Skip it if: You expect straightforward hard science explanations or modern technothrillers.
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.
Reader guide
Cues to help you decide faster.
Reading commitment
Steady Needs some room
At about 397 pages, this mid-length novel asks for sustained attention to character psychology and layered myth rather than quick plot turns—plan several focused reading sessions.
What stands out here
This Penguin USA edition highlights Silverberg's 1986 blend of archaeological detail and Romani-inflected legend, emphasizing atmosphere and the novel's speculative reach.
Best way to approach it
Approach Star of Gypsies slowly to savor Silverberg's descriptive passages and cultural encounters; pause to reflect on the novel's symbolic 'star' and evolving alliances.
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Exact edition: ISBN-13 9780917657924
Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.