Just Finished Reading - American Empire: The Centre Cannot Hold by Harry Turtledove.

As I’ve already said, I do like the SF sub-genre of Alternate History. Although certainly not the best example of this sub-genre, Harry Turtledoves many books are certainly entertaining – almost hypnotically so. This particular volume was the 5th (or 6th depending if you count the prequel How Few Remain) in the series charting the lives of about 20 characters shaped by and shaping an alternate world where the Confederate States won the American Civil War.

The Centre Cannot Hold runs from the early 1920’s to 1934 through the Great Depression, the Occupation of Canada and the bombing of Los Angeles by the Japanese Air force. The victorious USA grows ever prosperous under the guidance of its 12 year Socialist administration (falling into Depression after 1929) whilst the CSA stumbles towards fascism, finally electing a hard right-wing President in 1934 dedicated to rebuilding and revenge.

Not exactly the best writing in the world but the narrative keeps moving forward and you do find yourself getting ‘involved’ in these peoples lives as they grow up, grow old and produce children of their own. Turtledove does have a few annoying habits – the worst of which is incessant repetition of events or characteristics – but once you get past that you can enjoy the ride. I have three more volumes to go in this saga and there’s another one just out in hardback. Looks like I won’t be running out of storyline just yet.