The Disunited States of America

From Turtledove

The Disunited States of America, Tor, 2006, is the fourth novel in the Crosstime Traffic series. It posits an alternate in which the United States did not reach the compromise of the bicameral legislative branch at the Constitutional Convention of 1787, and so reverted to the Articles of Confederation. After a few decades, the United States simply ceased to exist, and the various states became countries unto themselves. Many have a history of war with their neighbors. Beckie Royer travels to Virginia with her grandmother. So do Crosstime Traffic employees Justin Monroe and his mother. By chance, they meet. Shortly after, Virginia goes to war with its neighbor, Ohio. Biological weapons are used, stranding everyone.

[edit] Literary Comment

A fragmented United States presents a wealth of possibilities, and Harry Turtledove scratches at the surface of them. Turtledove gives quick hints about some of the history of the continent, which countries resemble our own U.S. states geographically, how some familiar states are part of different entities altogether, and the like. For this reason, The Disunited States of America is arguably the most tantalizing and entertaining novel of the Crosstime Traffic series.

The Crosstime Traffic series

Gunpowder Empire | Curious Notions | In High Places | The Disunited States of America | The Gladiator | The Valley-Westside War