Coup d'Etat

The War That Came Early #4

by Harry Turtledove

In 1941, a treaty between England and Germany unravels—and so does a different World War II.   In Harry Turtledove’s mesmerizing alternate history of World War II, the choices of men and fate have changed history. Now it is the winter of 1941. As the Germans, with England and France on their side, slam deep into Russia, Stalin’s terrible machine fights for its life. But the agreements of world leaders do not touch the hearts of soldiers. The war between Germany and Russia is rocked by men with the courage to aim their guns in a new direction.   England is the first to be shaken. Following the suspicious death of Winston Churchill, with his staunch anti-Nazi views, a small cabal begins to imagine the unthinkable in a nation long famous for respecting the rule of law. With civil liberties hanging by a thread, a conspiracy forms against the powers that be. What will this daring plan mean for the European war as a whole?   Meanwhile, in America, a woman who has met Hitler face-to-face urges her countrymen to wake up to his evil. For the time being, the United States is fighting only Japan—and the war is not going as well as Washington would like. Can Roosevelt keep his grip on the country’s imagination?   Coup d’Etat captures how war makes for the strangest of bedfellows. A freethinking Frenchman fights side by side with racist Nazis. A Czech finds himself on the dusty front lines of the Spanish Civil War, gunning for Germany’s Nationalist allies. A German bomber pilot courts a half-Polish, half-Jewish beauty in Bialystock. And the Jews in Germany, though trapped under Hitler’s fist, are as yet protected by his fear of looking bad before the world—and by an outspoken Catholic bishop.   With his spectacular command of character, coincidence, and military and political strategies, Harry Turtledove continues a passionate, unmatched saga of a World War II composed of different enemies, different allies—and hurtling toward a horrific moment. For a diabolical new weapon is about to be unleashed, not by the United States, but by Japan, in a tactic that will shock the This edition includes an excerpt from Harry Turtledove's The War That Came Two Fronts.Praise for Coup d’Etat   “Turtledove’s masterful presentation of an alternate WWII reaches its fourth volume with its quality undiminished. . . . A tribute to [his] commanding skills.”—Booklist (starred review)   “For lovers of alternative history, and particularly the very popular Turtledove with his appealing weaponry, battle tactics, and setting details, this story will satisfy. It sets out to entertain . . . and that it does.”—Historical Novels Review   “The book’s grand scope and Turtledove’s impressive historical knowledge are admirable.”—Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Alternate History, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, War, Ebooks, Fantasy

433 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2012

About the author

Dr Harry Norman Turtledove is an American novelist, who has produced a sizeable number of works in several genres including alternate history, historical fiction, fantasy and science fiction.

Harry Turtledove attended UCLA, where he received a Ph.D. in Byzantine history in 1977.

Turtledove has been dubbed "The Master of Alternate History". Within this genre he is known both for creating original scenarios: such as survival of the Byzantine Empire; an alien invasion in the middle of the World War II; and for giving a fresh and original treatment to themes previously dealt with by other authors, such as the victory of the South in the American Civil War; and of Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

His novels have been credited with bringing alternate history into the mainstream. His style of alternate history has a strong military theme.

Reviews

[Nadienne Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another refreshing entry into this series. We start with the English realizing their horrid mistake and rejoining the side of right - albeit through a military coup d'etat (hence the title) - and we end with the French coming to the same conclusion - without their own coup. Thus, the Germans are plunged once again into a two-front war...meanwhile, the Americans find themselves in a losing naval war against the Japanese.

What will be the fate of this alternate World War 2? Tune in next week! Same Turtledove time! Same Turtledove channel!

Seriously, this is a relatively decent series. I know that there are some detractors, who seem to see this as more of the same or dislike Mr. Turtledove's writing style, but this is like my, what 30+ or 40+ Turtledove novel, and I'm totally fine with it.

[Carol Storm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't take any more, I really can't. Four books and counting and still nothing has happened. First the English and the French join Hitler and invade Russia. Then they change their minds. The Japanese are doing something, but for some reason the Pearl Harbor attack doesn't work. Or did it? I couldn't tell because Turtledove refuses to have any characters but enlisted men, who all talk the same, act the same, look the same, think the same . . .

I can't take any more!

[Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m going to be honest in that I’ve never been a huge fan of Harry Turtledove, granted I’ve read most of his alternate history books, but I read them more for the ideas and broad narratives that he presents rather than any discernible writing ability, and that writing ability is my biggest complaint with his newest novel Coup D’état fourth of the War that Came Early Series. The plot carries off where the previous book ended obviously: the Soviets under siege by not only the Germans, but the British and the French as well. The Japanese have attacked the Soviets, the British, the Dutch, the French, and the Americans in the Pacific. The British switch sides again, winding up fighting the Nazis by the end.
Now I have my problems with Turtledove’s plotline here as I find historical Franco-German resentment to trump any sort of mutual anti-communism at this point in history (keep in mind following France’s surrender in OTL the train carriage that Germany signed the armistice ending the First World War was used in a reverse of roles, then blown up). I also find the likelihood that a British populace so clearly anti-fascist as in OTL-see the Battle of Cable Street in 1936-unlikely to have permitted any sort of rapprochement with Hitler, much less an alliance. Stranger things have happened to be sure, but Turtledove plays his game normally very logically and this is certainly not that. But that’s not my biggest beef; you see, Harry Turtledove has been called the “Master of Alternate History,” though I’m casting my vote for the more accurate “Master of the unnecessary sentence.” Take this gem as an example:
“He couldn’t faze the Jew. ‘With all the singe we’ve both eaten, it wouldn’t surprise me one damn bit,’ Halevy said. Singe was what the French called the tinned beef they got from Argentina. It meant monkey meat. Vaclav had never eaten real monkey, so he couldn’t say how much singe tasted like it. He was sure nobody in his right mind would eat the stuff if he didn’t have to.”
Did Harry Turtledove have to mention that a Czech soldier fighting the fascists in Spain had himself never eaten monkey meat before, and thus could not determine whether what they were eating was actually monkey meat or not? No. I just automatically assume that no character I’m reading about has ever eaten monkey meat before, unless proven otherwise. Perhaps it’s a bit close minded, but it has served me well. Furthermore was it necessary to include that no one would actually eat this if they didn’t have to? Also no. I got that one figured out too. I imagine that not being shot at fascists in an army setting would widen ones meal options a little to me that’s a bit obvious. Carrying off of that Turtledove has made it a habit where the perspective character goes through his/her thought process wherein a question is asked, the main character notes their uncertainty, and accepts the initial decision: “Did Dieselhorst think they’d done their duty for the day by shooting down the fighter? Hans-Ulrich didn’t ask him. He was the pilot; responsibility for what they did lay with him. Besides he might have been wrong.” The irony of course is that this is alternate history. Their decisions can change from timeline to timeline. Hans-Ulrich being a good example as he was a real individual. However, my opinion: this is cute the first time, maybe the second time later on in the book, but Turtledove uses it over and over again making a good chunk of the book just this circular thought process. As with the monkey meat this is entirely unnecessary, all it accomplishes are two things: all the characters now sound nearly exactly alike, and it subtracts space that could have been used more meaningfully.
Now, I will admit that all of this has certainly improved since his last books, he has thankfully omitted much of the usual tobacco/coffee/alcohol bitching that was present in prior books, though he seems to have subbed in bitching about hookers, and sex instead-which increasingly became annoying, although not as annoying as the tobacco/coffee/alcohol became. So while I can’t say that this is Turtledove’s finest work of all (Ruled Britannia, and Agent of Byzantium in my opinion earned Turtledove his Master of Alternate History label), it is a step towards a better direction than he has strayed in recently.

[Leons1701 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars feels both generous and too low at the same time. Once again, Bad Harry is back, every scene with a character must contain some reference to the same basic fact that the character exists to serve as a carrier for. We get it Harry, you believe your readers are complete morons, incapable of remembering something you told them 50 pages ago. Worse, the plot, such as it is, glosses over the only important thing to happen in the entire book in the first quarter of the book only to return to the endless slog of repetitive non-events that have characterized most of Turtledove's more recent output.
So why too low? Because damnit, there's a good story story here. I'm no longer convinced Turtledove is capable of telling it, certainly not of telling it within his lifetime, but I like a lot of the situations and characters he has created, even the ones that are odious. I'm furious with him for how he shortchanges what should be the core elements of his plot (Damnit Harry, the book is even titled Coup d'Etat, how dare you toss it off as unimportant and easy?) but I can see the better story he should have, could have told and that one has my interest.

[William Bentrim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Coup D’Etat by Harry Turtledove

This is a compilation of vignettes of soldiers fighting an alternate history World War II.

I am normally a very big Turtledove fan. Not so much on this book. It covered many of the WWII fronts and the lives of the men and women who suffered through war. Turtledove had good character studies, as always.

What was missing from this book was any kind of plot if you ignore the fact that WWII could be identified as the plot. Nothing fit together; you just couldn’t tie all the character studies into a visual whole. I kept expecting to see some masterful pulling together of separate threads to make a garment that I would happily donned. It never happened.

[Korey Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy reading a book once, not several times. I swear in this book he would copy and paste the same bloody one liners over and over again. I got e information the first time, no need to have it bashed into my brain. This book could have even knocked down quite easily to 300 pages with some good editing and most likely combined with the next book. Starting to think this is the money making formula in this series. Give just enough new information to bring the reader back, but fill the rest of the book with crap that has already been written...

[Stephen · Rating 1 out of 5]

In one line: not as bad as "Give Me Back my Legions!".

Coup d'Etat is the fourth book in Turtledove's War that Came Early series, in which World War 2 begins at the 1938 Munich Conference when the Allies call Hitler's bluff. Soon joined in his invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Polish, Germany found itself engrossed in a two-front war after Russia rushed to the tiny republic's defense. But in 1940, Hitler pulled off a diplomatic coup, convincing Britain and France to join him in a war against Stalinism by offering to withdraw the Wehrmacht from the low countries. Considering that the Soviets were also under attack by the Japanese empire, the Big Switch was making World War 2 out to be a general dogpile against the the Russians -- but in Coup de'Etat, the alliance between Hitler and the west breaks down after an "extralegal" change of government in Britain, and what was shaping up to be a vastly different war is now simmering down to an only marginally interesting conflict.

Like Supervolcano: Explosion, Coup d'Etat succeeds initially purely on premise alone. The Big Switch completely recovered this slow-to-start series for me, and the new set course of events it initiated carry the novel: with the Allies and Germany both pouring resources into Russia, it's as if we're seeing the Cold War served hot and early. Will Russia collapse? What will Europe look like with Stalin gone, but with Hitler still reigning? Unfortunately, that question becomes moot by novel's end. Not only are we back to the same basic World War 2 we know -- complete with Italy invading British Africa, being turned back, and then aided by the Germans -- but the dramatic event that restores the status quo isn't even dramatic. One minute a character is being interrogated by British intelligence for planning to take over the government, the next minute he's free because his cohorts have done it. Whoopee. How did they do it? The reader isn't shown. The ramifications of a military coup of Britain aren't explored, either: the new powers-that-be simply inform us that they have to be very discrete to avoid popular sentiment turning against them. The war in the Pacific isn't any more interesting, perhaps because the American war engine is only starting to rev up. With Hitler at war with Britain, France, and Russia, and about to waste his resources in Africa, and the Japanese already weak after also taking on Russia, the end-game seems as though it will be inevitably similar to our own. And if that's the case, what's the point of a writing an alternate history novel?

[Craig · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Goodreads First Reads ARC winner*

Harry Turtledove has been an author I had heard many good things about, yet had yet to read any of his stories. I realize now that is a good thing. A book detailing an alternate history of WWII sounded very interesting to me. Turtledove failed to deliver that interest. It got so bad at times that I nearly stopped reading the story.

I found several problems with the book. The first one being there was no discernible plot to the story. It was just a bunch of loosely connected story arcs dealing with different people in WWII. I kept hoping that would change, but it didn't. This made the story confusing and boring in my mind.

I found there to be too many characters in the story that did not improve the flow of the whole story. It had the adverse effect of confusing the reader.

Overall I would give The War That Came Early: Coup d'Etat 1 and 1/2 stars. Honestly, if you are looking for a plot and some sort of storyline that connects all the various characters, you should look elsewhere. If you are looking for a bunch of little stories about different people during a fictitious version of WWII then maybe this book is for you.

[Eric Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series continues to improve, though the characterization is still substandard.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

The fourth volume of Harry Turtledove’s “The War That Came Early” series opens up at the start of 1941 onto a very different conflict. Britain and France have come to terms with Nazi Germany, and have even joined them in their ongoing war with the Soviet Union. The United States faces a series of setbacks against the Japanese, with whom they are at war after a series of sudden attacks throughout the Pacific. And the civil war in Spain drags on, a forgotten precursor to the conflict now raging. As the year unfolds, however, events begin to reorient the alignments. A military coup in Britain topples the government and rejoins te struggle against the Nazis, and with the French wobbling the prospect of a two-front war rears up as an unwelcome prospect for the Germans. But can they defeat the Soviets before that prospect becomes a reality?

Readers who have reached this point in the series already know what they will be getting in this latest installment, and those who have enjoyed following his cast of characters will find much to satisfy them here. Moreover, Turtledove continues to provide more in the way of the action than he did in his second volume, which helps to keep things lively. Nevertheless, there is still a sense throughout this book of treading water, as much of the key events – both personal and political – seem to consist of undoing the developments of his last book. Because of this, the whole series is starting to feel bloated, as Turtledove stretches out events that could (as he has demonstrated in previous series) have covered more dramatically in fewer volumes. Diehard fans of Turtledove’s works may not mind, but for anyone seeking to follow up his earlier, better works they might find his latest alternate history series something of a disappointment.

[Sverre · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in “The War That Came Early” series. It amazes me that an author of Turtledove’s stature in the alternate history genre can churn out book after book that fails to provide readers with quality material. There was potential in the plot and some of the characters. Instead we are served the same old warmed-over stew of military combat machismo in every permutation of wretched gut wrenching imaginable. The calibre of dialogue ranks down there in the bottom of the ditches where language is polluted with every base primal instinct known to man or beast, over and over and over again.

Ninety percent of the narrative in these novels puts the reader among the rank and file combatants who for the most part fail to demonstrate any redeeming camaraderie or esprit de corps. Turtledove offers no relief by means of noble heroes or stouthearted worthies. No, these are grunters and grinders who hate what they do and do what they hate.

The title of the book refers to a revolutionary political and military about-face. But Turtledove misses the opportunity for real drama and suspense. The coup d’etat is given scant attention. Instead of providing social, political, administrative and civilian texture to such a major development the author keeps his narrative focused on the activities of the rabble of soldiers, airmen and sailors who are moved from place to place by members of the upper echelons whom readers never get to meet.

The most interesting part of the book—less than ten percent—has to do with civilians in Germany, Britain and America. Why could we not have had more of their stories to offset the scuzzy combat scenarios? Turtledove has lost my reader loyalty. I will not be buying the next book.

[Ronald Tobin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series about World War 2 getting off to an early start showed a lot of promise at the start. Now, well, all I will do is wring my hands and sigh. Harry Turtledove has written several outstanding books. This one isn't one of them. The novel opens with Germany, France and Britain fighting together deep inside Russia. Things are looking bleak for Stalin. Well, in England the military establishment is upset by the recent assassination of Winston Churchill, who did not endear himself to the present regime since he was vocal in his opposition to the treaty with Germany. America does not enter the war in Europe as Germany has left them alone.

This book is named Coup d'Etat because one does take place in the United Kingdom. However, it is really just glossed over. The reader does not get to experience it. One moment the British are allies with Germany, the next moment they are not. Why name the book for a coup that really is important to the story line and not let the reader experience it directly? That would have made the book. There hasn't been a coup in England since Cromwell. As it is it is just presented as a done deal, with military bureaucrats mincing around, hoping the citizens don't get too upset by the removal of civil authority.

Instead of an awesome book we have here a book that doesn't go anywhere remarkable. A sad reflection on a truly great writer...

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you enjoy world war II history, this book and series is a must read. historically, turtledove literally puts you in the shoes of a variety of characters, places, and situations. if you've ever wanted to know what it was life was like on a german sub/tank, for a jew in nazi germany, or a japanese soldier it's in this book. the attention to detail is amazing. if that wasn't enough to interest you, throw in 'what if this happened instead?' historical twists. how would the war been different if churchill died or america never joins europe to fight hitler?
as always, turtledove got me so invested in the characters i was upset (and almost threw the book across the room) when some characters died. although they died, fellow characters take over the narrative for a new perspective to follow.
i'm glad i won this book through firstreads because it made me realize how much i'd missed reading turtledove's works and i'd always wanted to read his alternate history series. i wish there was a character guide because it was hard at first to keep everyone situations straight. i have to wait for the next book, and all i have to say is 'write faster please!' i want to know what happens!!!


(Received free through Goodreads First Reads)

[Patrick DiJusto · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's Harry Turtledove, so you know what you're getting -- multiple viewpoint characters, most of them soldiers during a war, but some of them civilians. Because it's a war, any of them can die at any time, and some of them do. There is going to be at least one big geopolitical event in the book -- in this case a coup d'etat in a major European nation in the middle of the war -- that changes the balance, or at least the flow, of power.

THis book is no different. In this alternate history, Hitler wants England and France to join him in 1938 in a war against the Soviet Union. Winston Churchill is emphatically against the plan, until he is "accidentally" run over and killed. The war begins, and it's your typical "Let's invade Russia with inadequate planning and supply lines" gambit, until the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, drawing the Americans into the war and leading to the aforementioned coup.

[David Ketelsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book for review from Goodreads.com

Coup d'Etat is an alternate history novel, the 4th in a series about WW2.

I found this book very disjointed. There's a lot of characters and it's very difficult to keep them all straight. The characters are from a number of different countries and backgrounds which helps somewhat in keeping track of who's who. Unfortunately Turtledove doesn't stick with any one set of characters for very long which adds to the chaotic feel of the book.

A number of the sections were enjoyable to read but the book doesn't really have a plot. Rather it's like random snippets of scenes from a war movie. Many of them interesting but they never gel into a book. Maybe if I'd read the previous 3 novels I'd have liked this one more.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

After the questionable history of the last book, this book at least makes more sense. Great Britain and France learn the error of their ways and return to fighting Germany. It just makes the last book feel wasted. The characters are still fairly interesting and they go in new directions, which is nice. My main complaint is that even though it is an alternate history, he still feels like he has to follow along real history. Germany still invades Norway even while embroiled in a 2 front war. Germany still sends help to Africa while dealing with France and Great Britain changing sides.

[Dkolacinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tend to really enjoy Harry Turtledove, especially since he so often puts me into the hearts and minds of his characters, describing how historical events, both major and minor, effect their day-to-day lives. While this book has more of this, it's mostly fighting and how it affects those in combat. Great, if you're really into this type of thing. Me, not so much. But in for a penny ...
Four down, two to go. I hope I won't be disappointed -- but I suspect I will be. If this isn't Turtledove's longest book, it seems eternal to me...

[Erik · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of his worst books i've read. Mostly filler, all the good stuff happens off-camera. Not enough Vaclav.

[Alexander Seifert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. He just kind of reversed the last book for no reason. Also, a lot of the characters are getting kind of pointless.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alternate history is one of my favorite genres. What if something had gone a little differently in history? How would the world be today if that had happened? Harry Turtledove is one of the premier authors of alternate history. Coup D’Etat: The War That Came Early is the fourth book in a six-book series that ponders what would have happened had the British and French not tried to appease Hitler, but had instead challenged him earlier/

In Coup D’Etat: The War That Came Early, it is the winter of 1941. Faced with a rising threat from Russia, the leaders of France and England decided that fighting with the Germans against Russia was better than allowing Russia to conquer eastern Europe. Soldiers who were once enemies are now fighting on the same side.

However, not everyone is on board with this Especially in England, where Winston Churchill died under mysterious circumstances (thus eliminating one of the loudest anti-Nazi voices there), there are many people unhappy with fighting alongside the Nazis.

To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really 2.5 stars. Turtledove has a way of writing about momentous historical events in a way that strips all the tension out of them. Here, following the "Big Switch" of the last volume where Britain and France change sides and JOIN the Nazis against the Soviets, now the big event is a military coup in Britain to switch things back again.

In both volumes these events just kind of happen. There's no real tension or buildup or surprise when these events occur and because Turtledove focuses so much on lower-ranking individuals or "common" folks--such events tend to have little effect on them and they feel that much more removed from the reader.

The remainder of the various POV characters continue their various battles (be they Jews in Germany, civilians in America trying to help the war effort, or junior soldiers across multiple fronts) but all without any real emotional investment.

This is a 6 books series that could have been done in 2 or 3. Ah well, on to book 5!

[Karen Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit right off that Harry Turtledove is one of my very favorite authors, having read at least twenty of his books. This one, the fourth in the War That Came Early series, definitely held my attention throughout after having gone through the first three that preceded it. I enjoyed following the various characters scattered throughout the world as they are caught up the events of the alternate history of the Second World War, and like the previous books, there are a few surprises scattered throughout. (No spoilers here.) I did think that the book strung out the major events of the war. If you like the characters you meet, as I do, you tend to overlook it while knowing there are still two more books of the series to go. I am looking forward to the next installment to once again connect with the characters.

[Ronald Spitzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The war continues and as I expected certain events happen and the drama they happen with is satisfactory. The counter drama is also fitting, especially related to the French. The common soldier soldiers on--on all sides. Characterizations continue to improve. I can understand the complaints of some readers who call it the same old same old. However, since I know lots about World War II and enjoy the topic, I very much realize things and appreciate where those other readers just don't. Their loss because I recommend this series of World War II buffs. It is neat to have the ordinary soldiers and sailors viewpoints instead of the rulers and general's or admiral's take on things.

[Riley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I made it through this fourth volumne of the series, but I surrender. It is a waste of time. I like the Videssos series and other Turtledove series, but this one is a snooze. I get irrirated by certain words that stick in an author's mind and are overused , such as Zeiss and feldgrau. Other than tidbits of warfare on a personal level, that I must assume are accurate, nothing much happens. The history is a bit alternate, but utterly boring.

[Carl Palmateer · Rating 3 out of 5]

And the story continues. I think I find the previous (Big Switch) and this book the most unbelievable. France and the UK fighting with Germany followed by a Coup d'Etat in the UK seems so completely off the wall. Still suspension of disbelief and so on. It's still an enjoyable read. This book has less of the repeated information from the earlier books in the series and seems to assume you have read the previous books.

[Eric Leeson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book took me a lot longer than I expected. Started early this year, other books kept getting in the way. Lots of action, history and humour, I really like this series. Some of the mirror like quality of the events occurring within this storyline and our history are stretched. Different circumstances and the events that are historical record should differ more broadly in my opinion, but it is still a fun series to "what if..." with.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started this book I didn't realize it was part 4 so now I need to go back and read the previous books.
Definitely a different take on the WWII an augmented history. Since I have yet to read the first three books, I am at a disadvantage as to what started this.
I enjoyed the book the characters and the story line if your a fan of alternate history and what if's this seems like a good series to read, but I am just judging this by this book alone.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the series. I read this one instead of listening to it. Gives a different perspective. The alternative history is done well. Basically no matter what may happen , in turn no one likes Nazis.

[Francis X DuFour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuation of a great series

The fourth book in Turtledove’s alternate WWII series continue to develop the characters from the earlier books. This gives a real “you are there” experience of war time in the 1940’s.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read.