This is a book very awkwardly told but whose point of departure means that it’s not really conducive to being told as a traditional novel. The attempt at fictional narratives within the text isn’t very successful but if they were taken out the book would be mostly a series of connected essays.
The author’s knowledge of American politics is shallow and was the weakest portion of the book. Wendell Wilkie’s nomination in 1940 was not a sure thing. A lier candidate for the Republican Party would have been Robert Taft. Wilkie was an interventionist and would have ly lent aid to Britain if elected. Congressional makeup is something that’s never discussed and I suspect the author is unfamiliar with the American Parliamentary system. The author’s view of the New Deal seems to be clouded by the immensely flawed neoliberal interpretations and a rollback of the the social welfare net would not have helped Republicans in 1944 least of all 1942.
This was a timeline interesting enough that I’d to see how the author carries forward in the remaining two volumes but general this is not an impressive book. alternate-history1 Steve1 review


Well researched and a hell of a lot of detail. A number of small changes, starting in WWI leading to a more successful Battle of Jutland for the RN that results in a vastly different set of conflicts for WWII. Markedly darker than OTL but with a considerably different Britain as well by the mid-40's. Definitely recommend it for anyone interested in quality alternative history that isn't a simplistic 'wank' for a given nation or group. 1 Tom AndersonAuthor 19 books7

An excellent and comprehensive alternate history of a different interwar period and Second World War, arising from a point of divergence connected with the Battle of Jutland, and the overall theme of a stronger (if still declining) Britain in the 20th century. Knowing this about the theme, there are some really unexpected twists in the plot - though the title may give a hint to one to students of history. About my only criticism would be I feel it does not do justice to Clement Attlee as a character, but this is a minor point. Highly recommended, especially for those who are fans of detailed military history. The second volume "Drake's Drum: The Reckoning" is out as well, and both are available as both ebooks and paperbacks.1 Simon Finney3

More a series of essays than a novel

While the alternate histories presented in this novel are engaging the overall structure failed to engage as there are no characters or personal storylines that reflect the history being played out. Added to that the fragmented approach taken with varied sources being used to build the narrative led to an uncomfortable scattered jumble of viewpoints. As a human story it failed to engage, and it didn’t live up to the initial chapter that had real potential. 1 Duncan Moss1 review

Fascinating alternative history, thoroughly researched and written with obvious passion for the subject.

I thought the presentation of the story as a series of quoted passages from fictitious historical sources was a great idea. Initially, I felt that it interrupted the clear flow of the narrative, and to some extent it does, but the overall effect was positive. I’ve never read a work of fiction presented in that way before.

I am intrigued to find out (in the later volumes) where the events in this book might lead, and what implications they will have for the parallel world of 2023.1 David Kennedy41 3

Incredibly detailed and scholarly

If one were to imagine an academic history of an alternative WWII that had actually happened, this book would be it. A highly credible and very detailed exploration of a very plausible scenario. By minimizing their roles in the alternative, the book makes quite clear just how indispensable Churchill and FDR were in reality.1 Memkaveq30 11

This is a very fun book, despite pervasive errors in spelling and punctuation. It keeps up the cool textbook style of presentation, but goes through history at a much faster pace than The Whale Has Wings does.1 Judith A1 review

Well researched. Interesting proposition.1 Graham Smith5

Very nicely written.

Very nicely written. I was most interested in the author's opinions on how things might have been but for one or two two twists of fate.1 ZorroG72 2

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