Another category for political fiction are war books. I generally am not interested in war but I read them if they’re forced on me and so far these are my two favorite war novels so far this year (please, please, don’t send me anymore, though.)
The first is by Judith Kolkin and is called Honorable Intentions. It’s the story of a Jewish Vietnam Vet who returns from battling the Viet Cong only to have to deal with a strange force threatening the woman he loves, society’s disapproval, and the killer he had become. Books about tormented souls are always hard going and the Vietnam war is either romanticized by some or ignored by others. But this is a very good balanced novel.
Another good war novel is Vassar Outlander by Ralph LoCascio. Now this is an odd one. It centers on the World War II veterans who attended Vassar College at the end of the war. For those who don’t know, Vassar College was an elite women’s college in upstate New York. The story is a fictionalization of the experiences of these vets when they encounter the upper class Vassar women. Along the way, there are encounters of anti-Semitism, racism, sexual issues, Korean tissue, religion and politics. The author was one of the World War II veterans who graduated from Vassar. A really good book about a bygone era.
The final category are specialized fantasy books. Fantasy has more sub-sets and sub-genres that one can count but they always have something to do with politics and the world around us.
Into This Mind by Lisa Nevin is a small book that some might not consider fantastical in the traditional meaning of the word. Imagine a character who can hear other people’s memories. This is an excellent read, very lyrical and poetic which might not be for everyone.
Another fantasy sub-genre is Christian fantasy. A good example is Faith Awakened by New Zealand writer Grace Bridges. How do I describe this wonderful but short little book? Picture Christianity and the Matrix. Cyber-reality and a creative exploration of free will and submission to reality... God’s reality.
One anthology made it into my list. It’s called The Return of the Sword by Cyberwizard Productions and it is a collection of traditional fantasy stories. By traditional I mean there are more mentions of the word “crag” that one can wield a sword at. This is a world where men are men and Conan wouldn’t have a chance. Heroes and wenches abound. No political correctness or teenage angst or tender female fantasy here. I actually liked it, especially Robert Rhodes’”To Be A Man.” I still don’t like all those warriors leaping near crags though.
Article comments
1 - Ken Gorman
My novel of political intrigue, THE ATKINSEN TICKET, was published in April, 2008.
A president's reaction to polarization in DC and scandal threatens his reelection and his life. His choice of new running mate puts the 12th Amendment in play.
I'd be happy to send Carole or the editor a copy of the book.
Ken Gorman
2 - Sheldon Robert Stone
Re: Summer 2008 Political Fiction, Real World and Otherwise
Written by Carole McDonnell
Published May 18, 2008
Possibly or recently published novel might be of interest.
Best regards,
Sheldon