Starman's Quest

"Starman's Quest" by Robert Silverberg is a science fiction novel written in the late 20th century. The story revolves around Alan Donnell, a young crew member of the starship "Valhalla", who is returning to Earth for the first time in what feels like centuries due to the effects of time experienced during interstellar travel. The novel explores themes of family, identity, and the societal divides between spacefarers and Earthbound humans as Alan searches for his older twin brother, Steve, who has chosen to abandon the life of a starman. At the start of the book, Alan is eagerly anticipating his arrival on Earth for his 17th birthday, living aboard the ship with a crew that has become his makeshift family. His excitement is tempered by the tension surrounding his estranged brother, who jumped ship during a previous return. As the "Valhalla" approaches Earth, Alan contemplates the significant changes both he and his brother have undergone due to the Fitzgerald Contraction, which has caused them to age differently despite their previous bond as twins. The opening sets the stage for Alan's quest as he grapples with his identity as a starman while trying to understand the societal challenges he will face in the Earther city and the potential reunion with his brother.