William Stroock

This is an alternate history that jumps back and forth between 1914 and 1964. It is told through the experiences of a young German soldier in World War I who sees action in both France and Russia.

In this version of history, the war ends after only two years in a German victory. This is important to the story as America never enters the war, France is once again humiliated by the Germans (as they were in the Franco-Prussian War), and there is no need for Germany to seek a war of revenge, no show more Nazi party, no World War 2 in Europe. Adolph Hitler never seeks a career in politics. In fact, by 1964 he has experienced a modest 50 year career in art and is a bit of a pacifist, and is the point of view through which the story is told.

This book will probably not appeal to the general public as the writing style is a bit dry and a basic knowledge of World War I and the ensuing decades as well as a background knowledge of Hitler is most beneficial, but the alternative history created here is interesting and most plausible. I gave it three stars for the somewhat dry writing style and relatively restricted reading audience. show less