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American Front The Great War Book 1 Harry Turtledove 9780345405609 Books

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American Front The Great War Book 1 Harry Turtledove 9780345405609 Books

I'll begin by saying that I love the premise of Harry Turtledove's 'Southern Victory' series; that, after the slightest change in our history (in this case, that Robert E. Lee's general Order 191 did NOT fall into US hands), the North American continent was forever split, with grave consequences for not just the USA and the CSA but for the world in general. In this particular volume, for example, the Great War comes to North America, with trench lines being drawn across the content, and the USA squeezed between the CSA and Canada. In this timeline, however, Great Britain, France, Russia, and Japan are allied with the CSA, while the USA finds allies in Germany and Austria-Hungary.

Along with the ongoing war, there are quite a few side stories, such as the growth of the Socialist Party in the USA, the beginnings of an African-American revolt in the CSA, and the lives of civilians during the conflict. It's interesting stuff, of that there's no doubt.

The problem, however, is that events hew surprisingly close to our timeline's major events. Here, we still have a Great War, despite a very different world stage, one without a single, unified US. We still have the same kinds of inventions that occur at the same approximate times, like the automobile and the airplane. Many of the same politicians have come to power as well; Teddy Roosevelt was obviously headed for the Presidency of the USA, given his role in the previous book in this series. Woodrow Wilson, however, is here cast as the President of the CSA, a role that seems apt given his opinions on race. Still though, it's odd that so many of the same major figures still end up essentially where they did in our timeline. It's not so much that I dislike this, it's just that I find I prefer a more divergent kind of alternate history, one where a slight change results in far-reaching consequences. Ward Moore's excellent 'Bring the Jubilee' is one example. Here, so many changes seemed imminent given the story told in 'How Few Remain', but very few actually came to pass. It's possible, I suppose, that Turtledove is sowing the seeds of broader changes that will happen in subsequent novels.

Another more minor issue is that I would have liked to at least hear a few more references to how the war is going in Europe. There's scarcely a mention here of anything on the subject. In 'How Few Remain' it was made clear that the Schlieffen Plan was heavily influenced (and presumably improved) given von Schleffen's presence in the US during the Second Mexican War, but there's no information given here of any of that.

Overall, I'm glad that Mr. Turtledove chose to continue the story he began in 'How Few Remain', which I found to be an excellent book, both as an alternate history and as a novel. However, this book just does't live up to the promise of its predecessor. It's a good read, but don't expect one of the best alternate histories you've ever read. I'm still deciding if I'll continue reading the series; there are 9 additional novels that I'd be reading, and so far the story just hasn't grabbed me like it should.

EDIT, September 18, 2012: I should note one element of the series in general that was much appreciated: the connection made between the only semi-freed African-Americans of the series and the Communist movement of the nineteen-teens. This is a stroke of genius on Mr. Turtedove's part, and I have to give him credit for this. Since originally reviewing this book I've softened quite a bit in regard to it, largely upon reflecting upon this thread of the storyline.


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American Front The Great War Book 1 Harry Turtledove 9780345405609 Books Reviews

I'm waiting for Turtledove to expand this series to World War II and beyond. So far, the only way he's done that is in the sci-fi based "Worldwar" series--I'd prefer an "us Earthlings only" approach. This book gives those who are far too used to Amerca as a superpower an opportunity to realize that events leading up to World War I would have happened even had there been no Western Hemisphere. And I tend to wonder whether Custer was really all that obsessed with the Mormons. One thing I find disquieting, though--literate Afro-Confederates reading the socialist theories of Marx and Lincoln (? ) and seeing in it the potential for a race war. Especially since all through the Civil Rights 'Sixties, Klan publications were calling the drive for racial justice "the influence of godless communists". It's a bit depressing to think that the Red Tar Brush might be there for racists to apply to any move towards racial parity.
Turtledove once again creates an alternate world that is entirely believable. I get the feeling that had the South won the Civil War, this book might well have been based in historical fact, not speculation. Where most authors stop at speculating about a victorious South, Turtledove begins there, then traces the two embittered countries through not only one war (in How Few Remain, which set the stage for this series) but through World War 1 in this first volume of The Great War series.
His characters are sympathetic and believable. He does a great job of letting the reader feel the realities of citizens and soldiers on both sides of the conflict. And I love the way he is able to, based on what is really know about a historical character, lay out a future that person never had. Gen. Custer, Teddy Roosevelt, and even the socialist teachings of Abe Lincoln (as seen in How Few Remain) are entirely plausible.
There are a couple minor faults with the book, though. First, ! there are many characters to follow, and I had a hard time remembering who was who. It was enjoyable, however, to see many of them meeting others toward the end. Second, characters will often state their circumstances or explain strategy or politics that can get in the way of the story. It's probably necessary since there are so many characters and this world is an alien one, but it could have been done in a less obvious manner. Regardless, the book was incredibly enjoyable, and I will order the next volume as soon as it is available.
The first alternate history book I ever read was ‘How Few Remain’ – the book that preceded this one and I was hooked. I became enthralled with alternate history. I have always been a student of history, but there is something romantic about the question of “What could have been?” and Harry Turtledove is the master of such a question.
This story begins thirty-two years after the War of Succession splitting the United States into the United States of America and the Confederate States of America. Just like in our time line, the First World War starts in Europe and the dominoes of allies and foes begin to fall. The CSA has an alliance with Britain and France and the United States with Germany. When those countries begin to fight, it draws the opposing sides in the Americas into the battle unleashing hatred and resentment brought on by the War of Succession. This also leads to war between the United States and Canada.
For those that have not read the series, I will stop here and just tell you that this book expands into two more, then another three, finally ending in a four book series. With a slight exception of the American Empire series, which gives you a look in between wars and shows how characters from the first series make their lives and slows down the series momentum, I recommend all the books to this series.
I'll begin by saying that I love the premise of Harry Turtledove's 'Southern Victory' series; that, after the slightest change in our history (in this case, that Robert E. Lee's general Order 191 did NOT fall into US hands), the North American continent was forever split, with grave consequences for not just the USA and the CSA but for the world in general. In this particular volume, for example, the Great War comes to North America, with trench lines being drawn across the content, and the USA squeezed between the CSA and Canada. In this timeline, however, Great Britain, France, Russia, and Japan are allied with the CSA, while the USA finds allies in Germany and Austria-Hungary.

Along with the ongoing war, there are quite a few side stories, such as the growth of the Socialist Party in the USA, the beginnings of an African-American revolt in the CSA, and the lives of civilians during the conflict. It's interesting stuff, of that there's no doubt.

The problem, however, is that events hew surprisingly close to our timeline's major events. Here, we still have a Great War, despite a very different world stage, one without a single, unified US. We still have the same kinds of inventions that occur at the same approximate times, like the automobile and the airplane. Many of the same politicians have come to power as well; Teddy Roosevelt was obviously headed for the Presidency of the USA, given his role in the previous book in this series. Woodrow Wilson, however, is here cast as the President of the CSA, a role that seems apt given his opinions on race. Still though, it's odd that so many of the same major figures still end up essentially where they did in our timeline. It's not so much that I dislike this, it's just that I find I prefer a more divergent kind of alternate history, one where a slight change results in far-reaching consequences. Ward Moore's excellent 'Bring the Jubilee' is one example. Here, so many changes seemed imminent given the story told in 'How Few Remain', but very few actually came to pass. It's possible, I suppose, that Turtledove is sowing the seeds of broader changes that will happen in subsequent novels.

Another more minor issue is that I would have liked to at least hear a few more references to how the war is going in Europe. There's scarcely a mention here of anything on the subject. In 'How Few Remain' it was made clear that the Schlieffen Plan was heavily influenced (and presumably improved) given von Schleffen's presence in the US during the Second Mexican War, but there's no information given here of any of that.

Overall, I'm glad that Mr. Turtledove chose to continue the story he began in 'How Few Remain', which I found to be an excellent book, both as an alternate history and as a novel. However, this book just does't live up to the promise of its predecessor. It's a good read, but don't expect one of the best alternate histories you've ever read. I'm still deciding if I'll continue reading the series; there are 9 additional novels that I'd be reading, and so far the story just hasn't grabbed me like it should.

EDIT, September 18, 2012 I should note one element of the series in general that was much appreciated the connection made between the only semi-freed African-Americans of the series and the Communist movement of the nineteen-teens. This is a stroke of genius on Mr. Turtedove's part, and I have to give him credit for this. Since originally reviewing this book I've softened quite a bit in regard to it, largely upon reflecting upon this thread of the storyline.