| American Empire: The Center Cannot Hold is about the aftermath of the Great War in Harry Turtledove's alternate history series from 1924-1933. It is an epic story of the USA and CSA leading up to World War Two. Having won the Great War along with the German Empire, the USA is on top of the world. Canada is a USA colony, and parts of the CSA have been annexed to the USA. The Democrats are booted out of the Powel House in Philadelphia, and Upton Sinclair and the Soclialists take over after over three decades of Democratic rule. In the CSA, a dangerous fanatic, Jake Featherston, and the Freedom Party look to take over the CSA goverment and get revenge on the USA. Blacks are not safe against the Freedom Party. The Mormons and Candians rebel against USA authority, and civil war rages in Mexico, as well as war in South America. As the story comes to an end, both countries are hit by the Great Depression, and the Democrats look to lead the USA back to prosperity, and in the CSA Featherston awaits his revenge on the USA. Many are willing to return the world to war. It's only a matter of time. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - alternate history Political power play Yes Political plotlets - saving govt/kingdom from external overthrow - preventing/managing clash/war between govts/kingdoms War or Invasion Yes Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Descript. of chases or violence - 10 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 20 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 50 % Main Character Identity: - Male Profession/status: Age: - 40's-50's Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - an average amount How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor Intelligence - Very much smarter than other characters Setting Terrain Earth setting: - 20th century Takes place on Earth? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - very explicit references to deaths and torture Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only |
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