The 4th book in the Crosstime Traffic Series, The Disunited States of America by Harry
Turtledove, published by Tor Books, tells about an alternate dimension in which the Constitution was never written up, and the Articles of Confederation, which held the country together, were essentially forgotten as each state became its own sovereign entity. The Crosstime Traffic series is about a future in which an eponymous organization that has discovered the secret to traveling to alternate timelines and makes its money by sending traders to harvest resources and send them back to the main timeline. In this novel, Justin Monroe and his mother are sent to Charleston, Virginia in the alternate universe and are to pose as relatives of Randolph Brooks, an employee of Crosstime Traffic who runs a stamp shop. Simultaneously, Rebecca “Beckie” Royer, an inhabitant of the alternate timeline, and her grandmother Myrtle Bentley travel from California to the rural town of Elizabeth, Virginia so that Myrtle could return to her home state one last time. In this alternate timeline, California is a very strong global power that has been influenced by Mexico which can be seen in the Californian’s accent and in the fact that their currency is pesos, while Virginia is a poorer country that has a racial hierarchy that makes African-Americans second class citizens. Beckie and her grandmother stay at their cousins, the Snodgrasse’s, house while Justin and Mr. Brooks visit the household to trade and sell stamps with Mr. Snodgrass. Beckie befriends Justin and their relationship gradually grows, even though love between a person of the main timeline and the alternate timeline is forbidden. During their stay, Virginia declares war on Ohio because they suspect that the state is selling arms to their
Turtledove, published by Tor Books, tells about an alternate dimension in which the Constitution was never written up, and the Articles of Confederation, which held the country together, were essentially forgotten as each state became its own sovereign entity. The Crosstime Traffic series is about a future in which an eponymous organization that has discovered the secret to traveling to alternate timelines and makes its money by sending traders to harvest resources and send them back to the main timeline. In this novel, Justin Monroe and his mother are sent to Charleston, Virginia in the alternate universe and are to pose as relatives of Randolph Brooks, an employee of Crosstime Traffic who runs a stamp shop. Simultaneously, Rebecca “Beckie” Royer, an inhabitant of the alternate timeline, and her grandmother Myrtle Bentley travel from California to the rural town of Elizabeth, Virginia so that Myrtle could return to her home state one last time. In this alternate timeline, California is a very strong global power that has been influenced by Mexico which can be seen in the Californian’s accent and in the fact that their currency is pesos, while Virginia is a poorer country that has a racial hierarchy that makes African-Americans second class citizens. Beckie and her grandmother stay at their cousins, the Snodgrasse’s, house while Justin and Mr. Brooks visit the household to trade and sell stamps with Mr. Snodgrass. Beckie befriends Justin and their relationship gradually grows, even though love between a person of the main timeline and the alternate timeline is forbidden. During their stay, Virginia declares war on Ohio because they suspect that the state is selling arms to their
black population in order to get them to riot. Ohio responds by introducing a virus into Virginia which kills many residents of Elizabeth. Beckie and Justin are now stuck in Elizabeth and they have to work together to get back to Charleston in order to heal her grandmother and get Justin back to the main timeline. Justin breaks rank by taking a dead soldiers clothes and joins up with the Virginian Army. He is then shipped off to war-ravaged Charleston where blacks have risen up using the weapons that Ohio has given them. Beckie, Myrtle, and Mr. Brooks are forced to travel to the city in order to save Justin.
One particular thing I love about this book is the grand world the author creates in his alternate timeline. I love all the small details the author inserts to make it seem like this would have actually happened if the United States never signed the Constitution. Some examples of these small details that immersed me into the book are the fact that Mississippi is a state in which blacks reign over whites or that how different states aligned with different sides in World War I. (which is called the Great War because there was no World War II) There are also states that don’t exist in our timeline such as Boone. The story on the other hand was very predictable and I kinda felt like I knew how the entire plot was going to come to fruition. I did not like the ending at all because it wasn’t satisfying, it just felt like a read a big novel for nothing in the end. To be fair, it is a young adult novel, so throwing in too many twists might alienate the demographic. The grand world-building helped what was for the most part a subpar plot and turned it into a very enjoyable novel for me. There aren’t too many central themes in this novel, but one prominent message is that war is pointless and it kills otherwise innocent people. A very prominent scene of the book is where Justin shoots a black kid right in the head after the kid shoots at Justin. This scene is loaded with details showing the different emotions Justin feels in this moment: disgust, shock, and pity. When he returns to the main timeline, he acknowledges that the situation has changed him, and has made him a man. This book made me want to read
One particular thing I love about this book is the grand world the author creates in his alternate timeline. I love all the small details the author inserts to make it seem like this would have actually happened if the United States never signed the Constitution. Some examples of these small details that immersed me into the book are the fact that Mississippi is a state in which blacks reign over whites or that how different states aligned with different sides in World War I. (which is called the Great War because there was no World War II) There are also states that don’t exist in our timeline such as Boone. The story on the other hand was very predictable and I kinda felt like I knew how the entire plot was going to come to fruition. I did not like the ending at all because it wasn’t satisfying, it just felt like a read a big novel for nothing in the end. To be fair, it is a young adult novel, so throwing in too many twists might alienate the demographic. The grand world-building helped what was for the most part a subpar plot and turned it into a very enjoyable novel for me. There aren’t too many central themes in this novel, but one prominent message is that war is pointless and it kills otherwise innocent people. A very prominent scene of the book is where Justin shoots a black kid right in the head after the kid shoots at Justin. This scene is loaded with details showing the different emotions Justin feels in this moment: disgust, shock, and pity. When he returns to the main timeline, he acknowledges that the situation has changed him, and has made him a man. This book made me want to read
more books about alternate history from Turtledove, and there are many more to explore. I recommend this book to people who love alternate history and war novels as it will never cease to entertain you with its compelling characters and stimulating setting.
Great review, it was very clear and interesting. Your analysis on the book was fascinating and made me want to read this book and series.
ReplyDeleteAlright, second time writing this comment after I signed out on accident. To re-cap what I said: I've never heard of this book, but I know much more now thanks to you, I prefer books with better stories- even if the world suffers a little, but hay, that's just my cup of tea. Thank you ( again ) for this information. ~ Brandon C
ReplyDeleteI love your book review on "The Disunited States of America," by Harry Turtledove because it puts a twist on the history that I have learned. I personally love history and to know of why many things today are what is it because of the past, so reading something outside the norm has me thinking of how the world would be if a certain event(s) did not occur. Great Job on the analysis Eddie!
ReplyDeleteI'm usually not interested by historic novels, but your your review actually made me want to read it! I found it funny that you didn't enjoy the ending, but acknowledged that it served as an incentive to keep reading similar books. - Maria Rosa
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting idea for a book (especially with what we're learning in history right now) and you captured it so well! Just this summary has made me want to read it.
ReplyDeleteThe Disgruntled States of America has become a MUST read after reading your book review. The concept really interest me despite not enjoying history novels previously. The sub-par ending is disappointing; however, that makes the book review more trustworthy that you did not love everything about the novel. -Luke Aguirre
ReplyDeleteHey Eddie great review. I have never heard of this book before, but after reading your review, I am very interested. The book shows an interesting what-if situation, and seems to be a good historic novel.
ReplyDeleteHistory is not my favorite subject, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this piece! Keep up the good work! It is really cool how you turned an unpopular subject into a summary worth reading! -Garret Janikowski
ReplyDeleteThe overall plot of the book, from how you described it, is very amusing considering that it is mostly common knowledge. Adding a story line to history help me personally understand the topic better, so I will definitely consider reading this book!
ReplyDeletethis book review has gained my attention tremendously to the point where i might read the book for myself. i also admire how you stated your opinion on it!
ReplyDeleteEven though you expressed your disappointment with the end of the novel, your vivid imagery and thorough summary of the plot made me want to read the novel despite the ending. You brought the novel to life and made me consider mt feelings towards historical fiction. -Sydney Scipio-Smith
ReplyDelete