The Center Cannot Hold, Harry Turtledove
The Center Cannot Hold, Harry Turtledove
2 Rating(s)
List: $34.99 | Sale: $24.50
Club: $17.49

The Center Cannot Hold

Author: Harry Turtledove

Narrator: George Guidall

Unabridged: 24 hr 35 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 03/06/2009

Categories: Fiction, Science Fiction


Synopsis

In this spectacular, thought-provoking epic of alternate history, Harry Turtledove has created an unparalleled vision of social upheaval, war, and cutthroat politics in a world very much like our own—but with dramatic differences.

It is 1924—a time of rebuilding, from the slow reconstruction of Washington’s most honored monuments to the reclamation of devastated cities in Europe and Canada. In the United States, the Socialist Party, led by Hosea Blackford, battles Calvin Coolidge to hold on to the Powell House in Philadelphia. And it seems as if the Socialists can do no wrong, for the stock market soars and America enjoys prosperity unknown in a half century. But as old names like Custer and Roosevelt fade into history, a new generation faces new uncertainties.

The Confederate States, victorious in the War of Secession and in the Second Mexican War but at last tasting defeat in the Great War, suffer poverty and natural calamity. The Freedom Party promises new strength and pride. But if its chief seizes the reins of power, he may prove a dangerous enemy for the hated U.S.A. Yet the United States take little note. Sharing world domination with Germany, they consider events in the Confederacy of little consequence.

As the 1920s end, calamity casts a pall across the continent. With civil war raging in Mexico, terrorist uprisings threatening U.S. control in Canada, and an explosion of violence in Utah, the United States are rocked by uncertainty.

In a world of occupiers and the occupied, of simmering hatreds, shattered lives, and pent-up violence, the center can no longer hold. And for a powerful nation, the ultimate shock will come when a fleet of foreign aircraft rain death and destruction upon one of the great cities of the United States. …

“Exciting action, well-drawn characters who draw you into their lives and joys and sorrows, a tightly logical and engrossing plot, and an encyclopedic knowledge of history that enriches the narrative without slowing it—what’s not to like? Buy the book!”—S. M. Stirling

About Harry Turtledove

Harry Turtledove (he/him) is an American fantasy and science fiction writer whom Publishers Weekly has called the "Master of Alternate History." He has received numerous awards and distinctions, including the Hugo Award for Best Novella, the HOMer Award for Short story, and the John Esthen Cook Award for Southern Fiction. Turtledove's works include the Crosstime Traffic, Worldwar, Darkness, and Opening of the World series; the stand-alone novels The House of Daniel, Fort Pillow, and Give Me Back My Legions!; and over a dozen short stories available on Tor.com. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, novelist Laura Frankos, and their four daughters.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Nadienne on October 08, 2020

Firstly, I enjoyed this entry more than I did the one before ("Blood and Iron"). It felt like the story had more substance to it and advanced the plot along, whereas "Blood and Iron" seemed more like treading water. We always knew Jake Featherston was going to win...and likewise, we all know Jake Fea......more

Goodreads review by Luke on April 16, 2019

One theme of this book is that you shouldn't elect bad people into positions of power. One example is that in the Confederate States of America they elected Jake Featherston into power who is a radical who wants to get revenege on the United States and the African Americans who rose up during World......more

Goodreads review by Kb on July 13, 2010

More familiar historical figures showing up in different contexts and more of the world going to Hell in a hand basket as reactionaries take control of the Confederate government. Characters introduced as young children in novels from the previous series are now getting married and having children o......more

Goodreads review by Nathan on January 19, 2021

I knew it was going to happen but it is worse actually reading the freedom party get in power.......more

Goodreads review by Walter on May 19, 2021

Considering how much Turtledove publishes, the man must work without stop or sleep – and it shows in the writing. But, oh what great stories he has to tell! This book is set in a universe were the South won the civil war (and the next one), but lost the Great War – a story told (sometimes ad nauseam)......more