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In 'The Alteration' by Kingsley Amis, the author explores an alternative history where the Protestant Reformation never occurred, leading to a world dominated by a Roman Catholic theocracy. The story revolves around Hubert Anvil, a young boy with a remarkable singing voice who is chosen for a surgical alteration to preserve his talent for the church. As Hubert grapples with the expectations placed upon him by the church and his own desires, the narrative delves into themes of power, religion, and the abuse of authority. The book combines elements of satire, dystopia, and alternate history to create a thought-provoking and engaging narrative that challenges the reader to consider the consequences of a world shaped by different historical events.

If you liked The Alteration, here are the top 10 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 10 
  1. #1

    Back in the USSA by Eugene Byrne, Kim Newman
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    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.


  2. #2

    Fatherland by Robert Harris
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    Set in an alternate world where Germany won World War II, "Fatherland" by Robert Harris is a gripping thriller that combines elements of a murder mystery with a detective novel. The protagonist, a disillusioned detective named March, navigates a dystopian post-WWII Germany to uncover dangerous secrets and solve a series of murders. The novel delves into themes of history, memory, and collective responsibility, offering a chilling portrayal of a society ruled by fear and conformity. Harris weaves real historical events with fiction seamlessly, creating a believable and intriguing narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    The book presents a dark and unsettling vision of a world where Hitler's Third Reich emerged victorious, exploring the consequences of such an alternate history with skillful storytelling. The plot is intricate yet clear, offering a thought-provoking exploration of what could have been if history had taken a different turn. Harris's writing style effectively blends historical facts with thriller elements, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience that lingers in the minds of readers long after the final page.

    THICK CLOUD HAD pressed down on Berlin all night, and now it was lingering into what passed for the morning. On the city’s western outskirts, plumes of rain drifted across the surface of Lake Havel, l...

  3. #3

    The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
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    Philip Roth's 'The Plot Against America' is an alternative history novel that explores a world where Charles Lindbergh, a Nazi sympathizer, defeats Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election. The story follows a Jewish family living in Newark, primarily through the eyes of a young Philip Roth, as they navigate the rise of anti-Semitism and the consequences of Lindbergh's presidency. The writing style is described as compelling, with long but readable sentences that present an altered reality that is both familiar and chilling.

    Fear presides over these memories, a perpetual fear. Of course no childhood is without its terrors, yet I wonder if I would have been a less frightened boy if Lindbergh hadn't been president or if I h...

  4. #4
    River of Teeth
    Book 1 in the series:River of Teeth

    River of Teeth - River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey
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    River of Teeth is a novella set in an alternate Southern United States where hippos have been imported as meat animals and gone feral along the Mississippi River. The story follows Winslow Houndstooth and his crew who are tasked by the US government to free feral hippos from an overrun bayou. The book combines elements of a Western with a heist, featuring a diverse cast of characters including people of color, gay characters, and a non-binary character. The plot revolves around a mission filled with personal vendettas, betrayal, and death, all set in a world where hippos are carnivorous and take over the ecosystem.

    There was nothing within him that cried out for justice or fame. He did not wear a white hat—he preferred his grey one, which didn’t show the bloodstains. He could have been a hero, had he been proper...

  5. #5

    The Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson
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    'The Years of Rice and Salt' by Kim Stanley Robinson is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Black Plague decimates Europe, leading to a timeline where Asia and the Middle East become dominant powers. The story follows interconnected souls reincarnated throughout centuries, offering a unique perspective on how history unfolds with Buddhism and Islam at the forefront. Readers experience a vast narrative spanning different eras, from the devastation of the plague to the rise of new civilizations, all intricately woven together through the reincarnations of characters and the exploration of philosophical themes like life, death, and progress.

    The book presents a thought-provoking premise of a world shaped by different cultural influences and historical events, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that delve into themes of spirituality, reincarnation, and the complexities of human progress. Through vivid storytelling and intricate world-building, Kim Stanley Robinson presents a compelling vision of an alternate reality where familiar historical events take unexpected turns, inviting readers to contemplate the impact of different belief systems and societal structures on the course of civilization.

    Now he had taken on the form of a small Mongol named Bold Bardash, horseman in the army of Temur the Lame. Son of a Tibetan salt trader and a Mongol innkeeper and spirit woman, and thus a traveller fr...

  6. #6

    The Calculating Stars - Lady Astronaut Universe by Mary Robinette Kowal
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    An interesting alternative history novel of speculative fiction unfolds in 'The Calculating Stars' where humanity faces the aftermath of a meteorite striking the US's east coast in the 1950s, leading to a race to colonize space to survive. The story primarily follows Elma York, a physicist and mathematician, as she navigates through themes of racism, sexism, and climate change while striving to achieve space colonization on the Moon and Mars.

    In this alternate timeline crafted by Mary Robinette Kowal, Elma, a former WASP pilot, and her husband Nathaniel find themselves at the forefront of a space program aimed at securing humanity's future. The narrative delves into the challenges of gender equality, racial discrimination, and mental health issues, interwoven with a gripping tale of human discovery and survival amidst a rapidly changing world.

    March 3, 1952—(AP)—The National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics successfully put its third satellite into orbit, this one with the capability of sending radio signals down to Earth and taking measu...

  7. #7

    The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
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    'The Man in the High Castle' by Philip K. Dick is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Axis powers won World War II. The book delves into a post-war setting where America is divided between Japanese rule on the west coast, Nazi control on the east coast, and an independent state in the Rocky Mountains. Through multiple character perspectives and a nested narrative involving a book titled 'The Grasshopper Lies Heavy,' the story raises questions about reality, art, and the impact of historical events on individuals' lives.

    For a week Mr. R. Childan had been anxiously watching the mail. But the valuable shipment from the Rocky Mountain States had not arrived. As he opened up his store on Friday morning and saw only lette...

  8. #8

    The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
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    'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is a novel that reimagines the historical underground network that helped slaves escape the South as a literal underground railroad. The story follows Cora, a young slave who embarks on a dangerous journey for freedom, while being pursued by a relentless slave catcher. The book blends elements of fantasy and harsh reality, highlighting the horrors of slavery and the resilience of those who fought against it. Whitehead's writing style weaves historical facts with fictional elements, creating a compelling narrative that delves into themes of freedom, humanity, and survival.

    This was her grandmother talking. Cora’s grandmother had never seen the ocean before that bright afternoon in the port of Ouidah and the water dazzled after her time in the fort’s dungeon. The dungeon...

  9. #9

    Parable of the Sower - Earthseed by Octavia E. Butler
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    In the book 'Parable of the Sower' by Octavia E. Butler, readers are taken on a journey through a dystopian near future California where society has collapsed due to climate change, political discord, violence, and social unrest. The story follows a young African American woman named Lauren Olamina who possesses hyperempathy syndrome, allowing her to feel the pain and pleasure of those around her. As she navigates the chaos and destruction around her, Lauren creates a new religion called Earthseed, aiming to prepare for a new society among the stars. The novel delves into themes of survival, community-building, philosophical reflections on change, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

    I HAD MY RECURRING dream last night. I guess I should have expected it. It comes to me when I struggle—when I twist on my own personal hook and try to pretend that nothing unusual is happening. It com...

  10. #10

    The Handmaid's Tale - The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
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    'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is a chilling dystopian novel that paints a vivid picture of a society where women are oppressed and used for reproduction. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, as she navigates her confined life under an oppressive regime. Through flashbacks, readers witness the downfall of society into a theocratic military dictatorship and the struggles of women who are reduced to mere objects for men's use. Atwood's writing style is starkly elegant, conveying the stultifying life of the central character and offering glimpses of her past existence before the world was turned upside down.

    The narrative explores themes of totalitarianism, religious fundamentalism, and the exploitation of women, all set in a world where traditional values have been taken to terrifying extremes. Atwood's brilliant storytelling weaves together a thought-provoking commentary on morality, societal laws, and the consequences of a society built on repression and control. The non-linear storytelling, coupled with the first-person perspective, provides a compelling and disturbing insight into a dystopian future that feels eerily plausible.

    We slept in what had once been the gymnasium. The floor was of varnished wood, with stripes and circles painted on it, for the games that were formerly played there; the hoops for the basketball nets ...

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