The Plot Against America

By: Philip Roth

Narrated by: Ron Silver

In an astonishing feat of empathy and narrative invention, our most ambitious novelist imagines an alternate version of American history.

In 1940 Charles A. Lindbergh, heroic aviator and rabid isolationist, is elected president. Shortly thereafter, he negotiates a cordial "understanding" with Adolf Hitler while the new government embarks on a program of folksy anti-Semitism. For one boy growing up in Newark, Lindbergh's election is the first in a series of ruptures that threaten to destroy his small, safe corner of America - and with it his mother, his father, and his older brother.

©2004 Philip Roth (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Prescient, masterful, absorbing, scary-accurate

What made the experience of listening to The Plot Against America the most enjoyable?

I read it specifically because of the parallels between Trump's America and the America Roth feared -- and warned against -- in this wholly absorbing novel. The lines of intersection are many and they stab like daggers. All of this is wrapped in the warmth and humor of a Jewish family navigating 1940s America -- and a brave new world. Much of it seems familiar because we lived it -- or our grandparents did. Much of it seems familiar because of the spooky notion that we're ABOUT to live it. Finally, Ron Silver's smart, flawless narration is a major component in this novel working so well as an audible book.

What did you like best about this story?

What could have been fanciful instead is made frighteningly real, partly by the events of today but mostly by Roth's uncanny ability to create a fictional world inhabited by real people. These characters are familiar to you, and your heart will ache for them with both sorrow and joy. Some of the tributaries seem a bit shallow in this fast-flowing river of a story -- the only reason I gave it four instead of five stars.

Which scene was your favorite?

Many.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, maybe three sittings.

Any additional comments?

Ron Silver's narration is perfection. It seemed clear that he knew these characters well from his own family and experiences.

Ron Silver’s reading is moving and unforgettable

Extraordinary rendition by Ron Silver. Highly recommended. Is it counter factual historical fiction? Fictional autobiography? Chilling.

Interesting Story But Rambles At Time

Was hard to follow at times. Interesting and engaging story but the perspective from the young boy was overplayed at times and detracted from the overall story. Ending left me with a “is that really it?” moment.

Outstanding

Great story, amazing narration. Haunting parallels to the news of the day. I’m only sorry it took me this long to read this book!

Relevant for our times

This is the story of a boy growing up in a fictional 1930s and 1940s. It is partly a boy's perceptions and experiences and partly political fantasy. I found it entertaining and relevant.