taking it
In comments here , James brought up an interesting piece. One of the most common questions I hear up here when yet another example of Bushian idiocy, incompetence, or corruption shows up is, "Why aren't people more outraged by this down there? Why isn't anyone making a fuss?" From up here, it often looks like almost everyone's going along with Bush, though that's certainly not the case. Of course, one of the big reasons for that is that the major news networks don't think it's newsworthy when people do make a fuss. But serious opposition to Bush and his policies is almost invisible up here, except to those who make a special point of following US politics from a liberal perspective. I hear this a lot, and it drives me nuts. Millions of Americans are making a fuss. I know because I used to be one of them. Here's my reply in that same thread: A fuss? We were - oh, that's "they are" - making a huge fuss. But the Bushies control all bra...
Well I'm already scared, a little more won't matter.
ReplyDeleteMy son works for a bookseller and can "check out" new books. I'll read it and then decide if I want to own it.
It's the fear we should all have: the fear that is a warning. If you do read it, drop me a line, let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteWow. I'm reading this on a Monday morning, and that just added a little more scary into my day.
ReplyDeleteStill interested though, so will check to see if it's at my local public library.
Cheers, and all good things to you,
Cin
Thanks Cin! Nice to see you here.
ReplyDeleteJust how good is the history in it? I like some alternate histories, but others just set my teeth on edge because their history is weak to begin with. "If we can prevent the attack on Pearl Harbour we'll prevent World War 2" is a classic, as is any story where the Germans sound like Colonel Klink and the Americans like John Wayne.
ReplyDeleteJust how good is the history in it?
ReplyDeleteIt begins with 100% historical accuracy.
Then something happens - something fictional but, in my opinion, extremely plausible. And it goes from there.
To me, it was all completely credible. I kept thinking, thank god I'm in Canada already - then had to remind myself that it didn't really happen.
Now, this book may have affected me more deeply because I am Jewish, and from the exact type of background (one generation later) that Roth describes. That's one reason I'm very interested in other people's impressions. Allan is reading it now. If you choose to, please report!
Oh, there is also an appendix at the end with factual information on each character, for those who might not know where the fact ends and the fiction begins.
If we can prevent the attack on Pearl Harbour we'll prevent World War 2" is a classic, as is any story where the Germans sound like Colonel Klink and the Americans like John Wayne.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Philip Roth is too good for this. He's a great thinker and a great writer, far too complex for caricatures.