World History
I just finished reading Opening Atlantis by Harry Turtledove. It is an alternate history novel that takes place in a setting with a continent between North America (Terra Nova) and Europe. The map on the cover of the book shows the east coast of the United States and Canada split off into the middle of the Atlantic. This is, of course, Atlantis.
A description of the book notes, "New York Times bestselling author Harry Turtledove has intrigued readers with such thought-provoking 'what if...' scenarios as a conquered Elizabethan England in Ruled Britannia and a Japanese occupation of Hawaii in Days of Infamy and End of the Beginning. Now, in the first of a brand-new trilogy, he rewrites the history of the world with the existence of an eighth continent... Atlantis lies between Europe and the East Coast of Terranova. For many years, this land of opportunity lured dreamers from around the globe with its natural resources, offering a new beginning for those willing to brave the wonders of the unexplored land."
The book is split into three parts. The first part tells of the discovery and settlement of Atlantis by the English, French, and Spanish. The second part takes places generations later and centers on the war against a pirate nation on the Atlantean bay of Avalon. The final part is an account of a war between England and a French/Spanish alliance in Atlantis. Through the centuries, members of the English Radcliffe (Radcliff) family are featured.
I liked this book but I do have a few quibbles. I did not like the lack of maps. Other than the map on the cover which is reprinted in the book several times, the geography of Atlantis is not revealed. Where exactly is New Hastings and Avalon? What are the boundaries of the English, French, and Spanish colonies? Yes, I know the English are to the North, the Spanish are to the South, and the French are in between but I would have liked more map details.
Also, if there was a continent in the middle of the Atlantic, would this not change ocean currents and hence the weather? And if the weather changed the climate of Europe, would there have ever been a France, England, or Spain as we know them? OK, not a fair question. This is alternate history after all.
As are all Turtledove books, this is well written. I found the book engaging and enjoyable. I did not like to put it down even if the plot was a bit predictable at times. I have read that this is the first part of a trilogy and I look forward to the next two books.
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World History
Opening Atlantis
I just finished reading Opening Atlantis by Harry Turtledove. It is an alternate history novel that takes place in a setting with a continent between North America (Terra Nova) and Europe. The map on the cover of the book shows the east coast of the United States and Canada split off into the middle of the Atlantic. This is, of course, Atlantis.A description of the book notes, "New York Times bestselling author Harry Turtledove has intrigued readers with such thought-provoking 'what if...' scenarios as a conquered Elizabethan England in Ruled Britannia and a Japanese occupation of Hawaii in Days of Infamy and End of the Beginning. Now, in the first of a brand-new trilogy, he rewrites the history of the world with the existence of an eighth continent... Atlantis lies between Europe and the East Coast of Terranova. For many years, this land of opportunity lured dreamers from around the globe with its natural resources, offering a new beginning for those willing to brave the wonders of the unexplored land."
The book is split into three parts. The first part tells of the discovery and settlement of Atlantis by the English, French, and Spanish. The second part takes places generations later and centers on the war against a pirate nation on the Atlantean bay of Avalon. The final part is an account of a war between England and a French/Spanish alliance in Atlantis. Through the centuries, members of the English Radcliffe (Radcliff) family are featured.
I liked this book but I do have a few quibbles. I did not like the lack of maps. Other than the map on the cover which is reprinted in the book several times, the geography of Atlantis is not revealed. Where exactly is New Hastings and Avalon? What are the boundaries of the English, French, and Spanish colonies? Yes, I know the English are to the North, the Spanish are to the South, and the French are in between but I would have liked more map details.
Also, if there was a continent in the middle of the Atlantic, would this not change ocean currents and hence the weather? And if the weather changed the climate of Europe, would there have ever been a France, England, or Spain as we know them? OK, not a fair question. This is alternate history after all.
As are all Turtledove books, this is well written. I found the book engaging and enjoyable. I did not like to put it down even if the plot was a bit predictable at times. I have read that this is the first part of a trilogy and I look forward to the next two books.
- Book Review - Across The Endless River
Carhart, Thad. Across the Endless River. New York: Doubleday, 2009. 308 pp, $17.79 in hardcover. Review by Joyce Salisbury, Central Michigan University. Across the Endless River, by Thad Carhart, is a fictional account of Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau?s visit...
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No, the author is not Jewish. No, she did not survive as a four year old walking across Europe protected by a pack of wolves. Yes, the author is not sure what parts of her best-selling book are true or are when "she found it difficult to differentiate...
- Never On These Shores
Last month, I received a book in the mail. It was a free copy sent by the publisher with the hopes I would review it. The book is Never on These Shores by Stephen R. Pastore. It is an alternate history of World War Two. Here is a brief plot summary of...
- 'iolani Palace: Hawaiian Capitol Building
('Iolani Palace, 6 January 2008.)I was very fortunate to have the time to visit 'Iolani Palace during my recent visit to Honolulu, Hawaii. The tour guide who had taken me to Pearl Harbor drove through different parts of Honolulu and he dropped...
- The Lost Roanoke Colony
The Lost Roanoke Colony This is a look at the mystery that pervades the first colony at Roanoke, Virginia. It is a nice overview I think. (I am the author.) I have learned that this paper gets plagiarized a lot. I have seen it at those online paper mills....