REVIEWS+

The War That Came Early

The Big Switch
The War That Came Early: The Big Switch. Del Rey: Ballantine. Jul. 2011. c.432p. ISBN 9780345491862. $27. FANTASY
COPY ISBN
Turtledove's latest foray into alternate history is based on the premise that Chamberlain did not appease Hitler in 1938 and that World War II was thus launched a year early, before many of the Third Reich's superstructures were in place. As the war progresses slowly, the sudden death of a key player changes the game, and suddenly no one is certain where the lines of loyalty are drawn. The Hugo Award winner continues to delight in exploring the world of "what if?" as he tackles a formidable subject in the third entry in his World War II series (after Hitler's War and West and East).
VERDICT The author's fans should enjoy this further permutation of world history, even while wondering how many "new" ways to tell a familiar story remain. [Library marketing.]
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.


RELATED 

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?