Book 15: The Plot Against America, by Philip Roth

This alternate history book resonates perhaps a bit too much in the political climate in which we exist today, and I'm sure that's Roth's intent to some degree. His story is told from the viewpoint of a young Philip Roth (nope, that's not a mistake), and speculates on what might have happened if Charles Lindbergh had been elected president rather than Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his third term. The picture created is insidious and quietly disturbing, as the United States becomes a place where subtle anti-Semitism begins to lead to an even more dangerous situation. Lindbergh refuses to enter the war as he is believed to be in alliance with Adolf Hitler, which means that his leadership by example filters down to the American people. With Henry Ford as one of his leading cabinet members, the story does have an air of possibility about it, particularly since the real historical figures Roth uses as his alternate administration had the reputation as either slight or serious anti-Semites in real life. Whether such accusations were true or not, it's a particularly effective device. My one complaint with the book is that Roth oddly switches voice to third person at the climax, and then switches back to young Philip for the denouement. It just doesn't sit right, but I can't quite explain why. It's an outstanding read nonetheless.