Heinlein and Varley - A Feminist Author

In Steel Beach and in the sequel to Steel Beach, which is called Golden Globe, there's a real deep seriousness to this book that I don't think Heinlein ever managed to reach. When Heinlein tried to be serious, he often came off as just preachy and Varley doesn't do that at all. In most of his books, the protagonists are women and his female characters are strong, interesting, beautifully written,. totally believable heroines who have normal weaknesses and strengths and overcome obstacles. So Varley is really a great feminist writer. He seasons his Heinlein qualities with a degree of seriousness that I think is lacking from a lot of Heinlein's work.