Friday 2 October 2009

Rule Britannia by Daphne du Maurier - Book 63, 2009

Title: Rule Britannia by Daphne du Maurier
Genre: alternative history fiction
Rating: 8/10
Comments: One of Daphne du Maurier's lesser-known books, Rule Britannia envisages an alternate history of England.  In this alternate universe, plunged into economic depression and soaring unemployment, England decides not to join the European Economic Community (forerunner to the European Union).  Its residents wake up one day to find communications cut, an American warship in the harbour, US marines setting up roadblocks and news that Britain was joining forces with the United States to form the USUK.  A group of Cronish villagers becaomes increasingly unhappy with the take-over of their land and start a shadowy rebellion, centreing on an 80-year-old former actress, his brood of adopted troubled boys and her neighbours.  The story is told through the eyes of her 20-year-old grand-daughter.  A fascinating read.

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