Robert Harris
***
But I haven't seen the film and am thusly incompetent to review it. As far as the book is concerned, it is worthwhile.
Fatherland describes a another world in which Germany triumphed in the Second World War, almost as much of a cliche as the 'South winning the Civil War' alternate, Harris describes his Nazi victory as the basis of a totally different Cold War; with the United States facing Germany in their nuclear standoff. The States having proven themselves in a war with Japan that politely waited until Hitler had consolidated Europe.
Joe Kennedy (Sr.) is President of the United States when the book is set, 1964, and he prepares to visit the National Socialist state in a historic laurel branch extending visit as the nation prepares to triumph in its Fuher's seventy fifth birthday. In the midst of all of this preparation a body washes up on the shore of a lake.
Xavier March happens to be the detective assigned to investigate it, though he is called off the case when it turns out to be a high ranking Nazi.
But there wouldn't be much story if he backed off, thus he teams up with an American journalist to expose the lies and treachery that lie at the very heart of National Socialist Society.
Part Ressurection Day, part In the Presence of Mine Enemies, Fatherland will satisfy, even though its ultimate conclusion is questionable.
Purchase: Recommended
Price (Amazon):
(Hardcover): (Out of Print)
Used and New: $100<
(Softcover): $7.99
(Video): $7.95