THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA

Unlike anything Philip Roth has written before, THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA is a thought-provoking novel hypothesizing what would have happened had the anti-Semitic Charles A. Lindbergh been elected president in 1940. Written from the perspective of Roth as a 7-year-old boy, the book demonstrates how easily a president’s policies can shatter democracy. Ron Silver, who sounds like he grew up in Newark, is an ideal choice to read the book. Silver’s New Jersey accent sounds as natural as the emotions he expresses. He is especially convincing in conveying the passion that permeates this novel. For example, when young Philip watches as his brother, Sandy, is co-opted by Lindbergh and his followers, becoming spokesman for a program designed to relocate Jews, Silver’s voice is filled with sadness. In light of recent events, THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA has generated much debate; it’s a book worth hearing. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 05]