“The Plot Against America is only the second book I’ve read by Philip Roth, and while it didn’t enchant me like American Pastoral I still thought it was a worthwhile read.
Young Philip Roth lives in an America much like our own, except Charles Lindberg defeats FDR’s bid for a third term in the White House. Lindberg’s high approval ratings stem not only for his image as a heroic young aviator, but also from his promise to keep America out of the escalating conflicts that lead into the Second World War. The dark side to Lindberg’s America, however, is apparent to young Phil and his parents (if not to his older brother, Sandy, who embraces Lindberg’s new order). Lindberg is an anti-Semite and is on good terms with Hitler, and his policies at home reflect that attitude.
After the quick chronology that tells the reader how Lindberg’s presidency plays out, the book lost a lot of steam for me. Part coming of age story and part cautionary political tale, the beginning of this book is wonderful— while the end felt like a let-down.”
Peach wrote this review Tuesday, October 13 2009.
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