The Plot Against America in Philip Roth... is awesome.

Jul 24, 2011 Elliot Ratzman rated it really liked it

What if the racist aviator hero Charles Lindbergh ran against (and beat) FDR in 1940 on an isolationist “America First” ticket? The US would stay out of the European war, and anti-Semitism would creep through American life. Drawing on real historical figures and the Newark, NJ of his childhood, Roth’s novel has been called a masterpiece. He reimagines his family’s small dramas in a time of war and, though the historical events anxiously loom overhead, this novel is really about the dynamics of f ...more

Like · see review

Aug 27, 2010 Tracy Towley rated it it was amazing

Without a doubt Philip Roth is my favorite author, and The Plot Against America once again reminded me why that was true.

This may very well be the first alternative history book I've ever read and I have to say, I kind of loved the format. Basically, FDR is defeated and instead the Anti-Semite Charles Lindbergh becomes president. His main platform is one of isolationism - i.e. not becoming involved in WWII. He makes 'agreements' with Hilter and over time the majority of Europe, and eventually Me ...more

Like · see review

Jun 06, 2012 Steve rated it really liked it

When this came out in 2005 many thought it a response to the Bush years. Re-reading it now, it seems to presciently foreshadow the rise of Trump in the GOP. It remains a scary, foreboding piece of alternative history. This is Roth's last "big" novel, and while not as pulsing with life as his very best, still very much worth reading.

In re-reading to prepare for teaching, this book seems more prophetic than ever. Still, could use some editing and some stretches could have been edited imho. ...more

Like · see review