Half a Crown (novel)

Last updated

Half a Crown
Half a Crown (book cover).jpg
Hardcover edition
Author Jo Walton
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Series Small Change
Genre Alternate history novel
Publisher Tor Books
Publication date
September 30, 2008
Media typePrint (Hardcover)
Pages320
ISBN 978-0-7653-1621-9
OCLC 213301014
823/.914 22
LC Class PR6073.A448 H34 2008
Preceded by Ha'penny  

Half a Crown is a science fiction novel written by Jo Walton published by Tor Books. It was first published on September 30, 2008. The first "Small Change" novel, Farthing , was released in August 2006. The second novel in the trilogy, Ha'penny , was released in October 2007.

Contents

Plot summary

The book is a thriller set inside an alternate history in which the United Kingdom made peace with Adolf Hitler, and the United States did not become involved in World War II. The British government has become fascist and authoritarian. Peter Carmichael, formerly a police inspector at Scotland Yard, is now head of the secret police, called "The Watch". He must deal with political intrigue by those jealous of his position and must safeguard his teenage ward while he keeps secret his illicit activities helping Jews and dissidents who wish to flee the country.

Reception

Publishers Weekly was mixed in its review by commenting, "Walton's understated prose and deft characterizations elevate this above similar works such as Fatherland and SS-GB . Some readers, though, may feel let down by an optimistic ending that jars with the series' overall downbeat tone". [1]

Awards and nominations

Half a Crown was a finalist for the 2009 Prometheus Award. [2]

Publication history

See also

Notes

  1. "Half a Crown". Publishers Weekly . 255 (31): 43. 4 August 2008. ISSN   0000-0019.
  2. "Prometheus Finalists". Science Fiction Awards Watch. 6 July 2009. Retrieved 25 September 2010.


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