Books Like...

Philip Roth's 'The Plot Against America' is an alternative history novel that explores a world where Charles Lindbergh, a Nazi sympathizer, defeats Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election. The story follows a Jewish family living in Newark, primarily through the eyes of a young Philip Roth, as they navigate the rise of anti-Semitism and the consequences of Lindbergh's presidency. The writing style is described as compelling, with long but readable sentences that present an altered reality that is both familiar and chilling.

If you liked The Plot Against America, here are the top 100 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Fatherland by Robert Harris
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    Set in an alternate world where Germany won World War II, "Fatherland" by Robert Harris is a gripping thriller that combines elements of a murder mystery with a detective novel. The protagonist, a disillusioned detective named March, navigates a dystopian post-WWII Germany to uncover dangerous secrets and solve a series of murders. The novel delves into themes of history, memory, and collective responsibility, offering a chilling portrayal of a society ruled by fear and conformity. Harris weaves real historical events with fiction seamlessly, creating a believable and intriguing narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    The book presents a dark and unsettling vision of a world where Hitler's Third Reich emerged victorious, exploring the consequences of such an alternate history with skillful storytelling. The plot is intricate yet clear, offering a thought-provoking exploration of what could have been if history had taken a different turn. Harris's writing style effectively blends historical facts with thriller elements, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that lingers in the minds of readers long after the final page.

    THICK CLOUD HAD pressed down on Berlin all night, and now it was lingering into what passed for the morning. On the city’s western outskirts, plumes of rain drifted across the surface of Lake Havel, l...

  2. #2

    American Pastoral - The American Trilogy by Philip Roth
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    "American Pastoral" by Philip Roth is a captivating exploration of the life of Seymour "The Swede" Levov, a successful American father and husband whose life takes a tragic turn when his daughter becomes involved in radical activities during the tumultuous 1960s. The novel skillfully delves into the complexities of family dynamics, the disintegration of the American Dream, and the challenges of parenthood, all narrated in a retrospective structure that invites readers to piece together the story through various perspectives and timelines. Roth's writing style is emotionally evocative, with detailed character portrayals and a narrative that weaves together personal struggles with broader themes of American history and cultural shifts.

    THE SWEDE. During the war years, when I was still a grade school boy, this was a magical name in our Newark neighborhood, even to adults just a generation removed from the city’s old Prince Street ghe...

  3. #3

    The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson
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    'The Years of Rice and Salt' by Kim Stanley Robinson is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Black Plague decimates Europe, leading to a timeline where Asia and the Middle East become dominant powers. The story follows interconnected souls reincarnated throughout centuries, offering a unique perspective on how history unfolds with Buddhism and Islam at the forefront. Readers experience a vast narrative spanning different eras, from the devastation of the plague to the rise of new civilizations, all intricately woven together through the reincarnations of characters and the exploration of philosophical themes like life, death, and progress.

    The book presents a thought-provoking premise of a world shaped by different cultural influences and historical events, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that delve into themes of spirituality, reincarnation, and the complexities of human progress. Through vivid storytelling and intricate world-building, Kim Stanley Robinson presents a compelling vision of an alternate reality where familiar historical events take unexpected turns, inviting readers to contemplate the impact of different belief systems and societal structures on the course of civilization.

    Now he had taken on the form of a small Mongol named Bold Bardash, horseman in the army of Temur the Lame. Son of a Tibetan salt trader and a Mongol innkeeper and spirit woman, and thus a traveller fr...

  4. #4

    The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
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    In the book "The Yiddish Policemen's Union" by Michael Chabon, readers are taken on a journey through an alternate history where Jews settled in Alaska after the failure of Israel in 1948. The story follows Detective Meyer Landsman as he investigates a murder in Sitka, Alaska, uncovering a complex web of government conspiracy, personal tales of loss, and the use of chess as a metaphor throughout the narrative. Chabon's writing style is described as rich with metaphor, featuring frequent use of Yiddish words, and showcasing a unique blend of noir elements and hard-boiled detective fiction.

    The novel delves into themes of religion, chess, and the diverse population within the Jewish district of Sitka, Alaska. Chabon's intricate plot intertwines murder mystery elements with a deep exploration of character motivations, government intrigue, and the complexities of a society on the brink of change. The book is praised for its detailed world-building, engaging writing style, and the way it seamlessly blends elements of speculative fiction, detective fiction, and alternate history.

    Nine months Landsman's been flopping at the Hotel Zamenhof without any of his fellow residents managing to get themselves murdered. Now somebody has put a bullet in the brain of the occupant of 208, a...

  5. #5

    Underground Airlines by Ben H. Winters
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    Set in an alternate reality where slavery is legal in four states, 'Underground Airlines' follows Victor, a black bounty hunter tasked with tracking down escaped slaves. As Victor delves into his latest case, involving an escapee named Jackdaw, he uncovers a dark secret that challenges his beliefs and forces him to question his own past. The book combines elements of thriller and detective genres, offering a thought-provoking narrative that explores themes of race, history, and society in a chillingly realistic manner.

    I knitted my fingers together and leaned forward across the table. I was aware of how I looked: I looked pathetic. Eager, nervous, confessional. I could feel my thin, cheap spectacles slipping down my...

  6. #6

    The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
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    'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Axis powers won World War II. The book delves into a post-war setting where America is divided between Japanese rule on the west coast, Nazi control on the east coast, and an independent state in the Rocky Mountains. Through multiple character perspectives and a nested narrative involving a book titled 'The Grasshopper Lies Heavy,' the story raises questions about reality, art, and the impact of historical events on individuals' lives.

    For a week Mr. R. Childan had been anxiously watching the mail. But the valuable shipment from the Rocky Mountain States had not arrived. As he opened up his store on Friday morning and saw only lette...

  7. #7

    The Guns of the South by Harry Turtledove
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    The Guns of the South by Harry Turtledove is an alternate history novel that explores the scenario where time-traveling white supremacists from the future provide the Confederate Army with modern weaponry like AK-47s during the American Civil War. The book delves into the consequences of this intervention, including the impact on historical events and the development of a newly empowered Confederacy. Through the perspectives of characters like Robert E. Lee and Nate Caudell, the story weaves a thought-provoking narrative that combines elements of historical fiction with speculative fiction, creating a captivating blend of realism and imagination.

    Headquarters January 20, 1864 Mr. President: I have delayed replying to your letter of the 4th until the time arrived for the execution of the attempt on New Berne. I regret very much that the boats o...

  8. #8

    It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis
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    In "It Can't Happen Here" by Sinclair Lewis, readers are taken on a chilling journey through an alternate history where a populist demagogue becomes President of the United States and transforms the country into a fascist state. Through the eyes of characters like Doremus Jessup, a newspaper editor turned resistance fighter, the novel explores the rise of totalitarianism, the erosion of democratic norms, and the fragility of American freedoms. The book serves as a stark warning about the dangers of political movements akin to fascism and Nazism gaining power, highlighting the potential consequences of complacency and fear-mongering in society. Despite being published in 1935, the themes of the book remain eerily prescient and relevant in today's political climate.

    The writing style of "It Can't Happen Here" is described as being somewhat dated, with lengthy sentences and turgid prose, yet it effectively captures the unsettling atmosphere of the story. The novel delves into the descent into fascism by the country, following the journey of individuals like Doremus Jessup as they navigate the oppressive regime and struggle against the dictatorial government. Through vivid imagery and sharp-eyed observations, Sinclair Lewis paints a disturbing picture of a America under the grip of a demagogue, providing a thought-provoking exploration of power, resistance, and the consequences of political extremism.

    THE HANDSOME DINING ROOM of the Hotel Wessex, with its gilded plaster shields and the mural depicting the Green Mountains, had been reserved for the Ladies’ Night Dinner of the Fort Beulah Rotary Club...

  9. #9
    Farthing
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    Book 1 in the series:Small Change

    Farthing - Small Change by Jo Walton
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    In an alternative history where Britain made peace with Hitler, 'Farthing' unfolds at a country house where a member of the Farthing Set is found murdered. The narrative alternates between Lucy, a daughter of the house, and Inspector Carmichael investigating the crime. As the investigation progresses, the story delves into the sinister aspects of the aristocratic world, the rise of fascism, and the chilling reality of a society slipping into totalitarianism. The writing style combines elements of a murder mystery, a political parable, and a reflection on class loyalties and prejudices, creating a compelling and timely narrative.

    It started when David came in from the lawn absolutely furious. We were down at Farthing for one of Mummy’s ghastly political squeezes. If we could have found any way out of it we would have been some...

  10. #10

    SS-GB by Len Deighton
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    Set in an alternative history where the Germans won World War II in 1941, "SS-GB" by Len Deighton follows Detective Superintendent Douglas Archer as he investigates a murder trial with national and political implications in Nazi-occupied Britain. The story delves into the complexities of life under German control, the resistance movement, and the power struggles between different factions, all against the backdrop of a grim and oppressive reality in 1941 London.

    The other man busied himself with the papers on his desk and made no comment. He thumped the rubber stamp into the pad and then on to the docket, ‘Scotland Yard. 14 Nov. 1941’. It was incredible that ...

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