see how fake his life back home was, and recognize faults in his home culture. Characters Giraut - a talented Nou Occitan swordsman and song writer forced to grow up suddenly as he encounters complicated political struggles between opposing ideological groups as an assistant on Aimeric's mission to planet Nansen. Garsenda - Giraut's ex-girlfriend back in Nou Occitan. Aimeric - originally from Caledony, a fellow troubadour and friend to Giraut, trained in economic principles and business and ambassador for the Council of Humanity to Caledony people on Nansen. Bieris - Aimeric's girlfriend, who accompanies him to Nansen. Bruce - Aimeric's childhood friend from Nansen, who greets and initially hosts them upon their arrival on the harsh planet. Margaret - a Caledony woman who becomes increasingly important to Giraut. Planets referenced Earth (central planet for humanity, in the Inner Sphere) Nansen (home of Caledony and St. Michael, in the Outer Sphere and recently contacted) Wilson (home of Nou Occitan, close to the Outer Sphere and contacted years ago) Literary significance & criticism This novel is a commentary on globalization via a fictional account of the effects of the Earth's expanding political, economic and social influence over human inhabited planets. Barnes suggests that those most harmed by globalization are the ones least willing to change in response. In her review at tor.com, Jo Walton called the book a "wonderful immersive science fiction novel," and wrote that "this is perhaps his best book." See also Interstellar teleporter Tunnel in the Sky Gridlinked Other books in this series Earth Made of Glass (1998) The Merchants of Souls (2001) The Armies of Memory (2006) References Notes External links Review by Jo Walton 2009, tor.com 1992 American novels Fiction set around Arcturus American science fiction novels 1992 science fiction novels Novels by John Barnes Tor Books books