'Seven Days in May' by Fletcher Knebel revolves around a military plot to overthrow the government in the near future, set in the early 1970s. It delves into the discovery of a coup d'etat orchestrated by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, James Mattoon Scott, in response to an arms deal signed by a deeply unpopular President. The plot is described as prescient in warning against the threat of fascism and the manipulation of democracy by powerful forces within the Military Industrial Complex. The writing style is noted for its detailed exploration of a scenario where the military commanders of the United States disagree with the President's decision, leading to a tense political thriller.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is engaging with a focus on suspense, although some dialogues and details may feel excessive.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a coup attempt led by military officials, highlighting themes of power, government control, and political dissent.

Setting:

The setting is a tense Cold War backdrop that amplifies the stakes of political conflict.

Pacing:

Pacing fluctuates between detailed exposition and rapid developments, impacting overall narrative flow.

The parking lot stretched away to the north, cheerless and vacant. Its monotonous acres of concrete were unbroken except where the occasional shadow of a maple tree speared thinly across the pavement....

Genres:

political thriller

speculative fiction

historical fiction

Topics:

government corruption

military coup

conspiracy

Notes:

The book 'Seven Days in May' was published in 1962.

It is a political thriller set during the Cold War.

The plot centers around a military coup against an unpopular president.

The book reflects concerns about government overreach and fascism.

The character Scott, the coup leader, is seen as a proto-fascist.

The story includes elements resembling the JFK assassination conspiracy.

Many readers find the book relevant to today's political climate.

The author suggests that democracy is often threatened by social paranoia and demagogues.

Some readers noted the dialogue felt wooden but appreciated the story's themes.

The book has been compared to modern thrillers and warns against powerful individuals controlling democracy.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Contains themes of political violence, conspiracy, and military ethics that may be unsettling to some readers.

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Seven Days in May

Fletcher Knebel