The plot is particularly interesting, especially when contrasted with modern times. Imagine an era in which political propaganda is released NOT in 15 second soundbites, but in the text of plays. The depiction of the contemporary drama scene in the book is quite accurate, showing exactly how much research Turtledove does to ensure his books are as authentic as possible.
There is something for everyone in this book—literature snobs will even enjoy trying to figure out which of Shakespeare's actual plays the "alternate" titles represent. The book is a refreshing reminder of why I started reading Turtledove to begin with. I can only hope that the good doctor will continue to release these "single shot" alternate histories in addition (or perhaps in place of) the extended sagas that he has been writing recently. Unfortunately, his newest work, Days of Infamy, looks to be the start of another megaseries.
Article comments
1 - SFC SKI
Thanks for the review. I enjoy Turtledove's one-off books a bit more than his series. The fact that he is a real historian makes the background of his work so vivid. I will have to check this one out as well.
2 - Steven Silver
Actually, Days of Infamy is volume one of a two volume series. And can stand on its own.
3 - Warren
Thanks, Steven -- in that case, I'll stick with it. I was worried (as were some others whose opinions I've read) that this was the beginning of another epic.
I'll be posting my review of Days of Infamy in the next few days -- I did enjoy it, though I'm not sure I'd agree that it stands well on its own (there seem to be some loose plot lines here and there).
4 - DrPat
Turtledove is certainly prolific enough to continue writing the one-off novels and short series, and still keep feeding the magaseries pipelines.
My favorite one-off of his was The Two Georges, partly because I was working in El Segundo, CA, at the time, and enjoyed the "Anglicized" place names. (At one point, the protagonist muses, "What could have led them to name 'Cow-Anger Pass' as they did?" [Cahuenga Pass])
5 - Pat Cummings
This book review has been selected for Advance.net. You’ll be able to find this and other Blog Critics reviews at such places as Cleveland.com’s Book Reviews column.