Half a Crown (novel)
![]() Hardcover edition | |
Author | Jo Walton |
---|---|
Language | English |
Series | Small Change |
Genre | Alternate history novel |
Publisher | Tor Books |
Publication date | September 30, 2008 |
Publication place | United States |
Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
Pages | 320 |
ISBN | 978-0-7653-1621-9 |
OCLC | 213301014 |
823/.914 22 | |
LC Class | PR6073.A448 H34 2008 |
Preceded by | Ha'penny |
Half a Crown is a alternate history novel written by Jo Walton published by Tor Books. It was first published on September 30, 2008. The first "Small Change" novel, Farthing, was released in August 2006. The second novel in the trilogy, Ha'penny, was released in October 2007.
Plot summary
[edit]The book is a thriller set inside an alternate history in which the United Kingdom made peace with Adolf Hitler, and the United States did not become involved in World War II. The British government has become fascist and authoritarian. Peter Carmichael, formerly a police inspector at Scotland Yard, is now head of the secret police, called "The Watch". He must deal with political intrigue by those jealous of his position and must safeguard his teenage ward while he keeps secret his illicit activities helping Jews and dissidents who wish to flee the country.
Reception
[edit]Publishers Weekly was mixed in its review by commenting, "Walton's understated prose and deft characterizations elevate this above similar works such as Fatherland and SS-GB. Some readers, though, may feel let down by an optimistic ending that jars with the series' overall downbeat tone".[1]
Awards and nominations
[edit]Half a Crown was a finalist for the 2009 Prometheus Award.[2]
Publication history
[edit]- 2008, USA, Tor Books ISBN 978-0-7653-1621-9 Pub date 30 September 2008, Hardback
See also
[edit]- Axis victory in World War II, regarding works of Nazi Germany/Axis/World War II alternate history
Notes
[edit]- ^ "Half a Crown". Publishers Weekly. 255 (31): 43. 4 August 2008. ISSN 0000-0019.
- ^ "Prometheus Finalists". Science Fiction Awards Watch. 6 July 2009. Retrieved 25 September 2010.
External links
[edit]- Tor-Forge Books official website
- Berry, Michael (19 October 2008). "Evildoers and friendly ghosts". San Francisco Chronicle. p. M7. Retrieved 25 September 2010.
- "Government by fear". Montreal Gazette. 28 October 2008. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2010.
- Half a Crown title listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database
- 2008 British novels
- Novels by Jo Walton
- Novels about World War II alternate histories
- 2008 science fiction novels
- Tor Books books
- 2008 Canadian novels
- British alternative history novels
- Canadian alternative history novels
- Crime and thriller fiction set in alternate histories
- Detective novels
- 2000s historical novel stubs
- Alternate history novel stubs
- 2000s speculative fiction novel stubs
- World War II novel stubs
- 2000s war novel stubs