Back in the USSA

Eugene Byrne,
Kim Newman

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alternate history

communist united states

what if scenarios

historical figures reimagined

humorous writing style

iconic american figures

socialist revolution

creative novellas

worldbuilding and pacing balance

pop culture references

distorted historical imagery

engaging protagonists

fast paced and slow pacing

Back in the USSA, a collection of novellas by Eugene Byrne and Kim Newman, presents an alternate history where the United States becomes a communist country. The stories intertwine iconic American figures like Buddy Holly and Jack Kerouac with historical events such as the rise of communism and the American socialist revolution, creating a familiar yet disturbing world. The writing style adeptly balances worldbuilding with moving the plot along, immersing the reader in this alternate timeline without overwhelming them with exposition.

Characters:

The characters are a mix of reimagined historical figures and fictional personas, creating engaging and relatable protagonists throughout the novellas.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by a blend of exposition and action, featuring a humorous and playful tone with clever references to both pop culture and history.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot presents an imaginative alternate history of a communist United States, exploring various 'what if' scenarios through creative novellas that reinterpret historical events and figures.

Setting:

The setting is an alternate version of the United States under communism, reflecting distorted historical imagery and reimagined global powers.

Pacing:

The pacing varies across stories, with some sections feeling fast-paced while others slow down, resulting in a mixed experience but generally maintaining a good flow.

Notes:

The book imagines a communist United States, recasting historical roles of major world powers.

Instead of the US, the USSR, Russia takes the place of the UK, and China is stood in for France.

Al Capone is portrayed as this timeline's version of Joseph Stalin.

Historical characters like Charles Foster Kane and Tom Joad are central figures with new roles.

Newman's trademark is to mix fictional and historical characters creatively throughout the stories.

The book uses a playful approach, rather than a serious alternate history narrative.

In this world, Teddy Roosevelt's assassination leads to a significant power shift.

Jack Kerouac and Howard Hughes are depicted as nonconformist drifters on a journey across America.

Fictional scenes are inspired by films like Platoon and Apocalypse Now, bringing familiar elements into the narrative.

The novella 'Teddy Bears Picnic' is noted as especially emotional and impactful within the collection.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of war, violence, and historical trauma that may be unsettling to some readers.

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Back in the USSA

Eugene Byrne, Kim Newman