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Collaborator
Winner of the Sideways Award for Alternate History
An enthralling what-if action adventure in the tradition of FATHERLAN and DOMINION.December 1940 and England lies under German occupation. In the West Country, Nick Penny comes home after four months as a prisoner of war to act as interpreter to the provincial governor. He finds his father dead, his mother crippled, and his best friend Roy heavily involved in a resistance movement. When war hero Matty Cordington returns to run his father's estate, the three friends are re-united in a common purpose. Life under the occupation becomes a compromise at every level. Nick's sister Joan sleeps with a profiteer to find food for her family. There are leaks in the resistance movement, and Matty's girlfriend is fingered and dispatched. The occupation turns nastier as Hitler invades Russia, with less food and greater demands on the civilian population to labour in the Reich. Britain's Jews are first deported, then the 'Final Solution' is enacted on English soil. But treachery still dogs the resistance and, hunted by the Gestapo and the British police, Nick and his girlfriend Angel desperately race to eliminate the real traitor. The story then escalates to an explosive climax at the very centre of occupational power.
An enthralling what-if action adventure in the tradition of FATHERLAN and DOMINION.December 1940 and England lies under German occupation. In the West Country, Nick Penny comes home after four months as a prisoner of war to act as interpreter to the provincial governor. He finds his father dead, his mother crippled, and his best friend Roy heavily involved in a resistance movement. When war hero Matty Cordington returns to run his father's estate, the three friends are re-united in a common purpose. Life under the occupation becomes a compromise at every level. Nick's sister Joan sleeps with a profiteer to find food for her family. There are leaks in the resistance movement, and Matty's girlfriend is fingered and dispatched. The occupation turns nastier as Hitler invades Russia, with less food and greater demands on the civilian population to labour in the Reich. Britain's Jews are first deported, then the 'Final Solution' is enacted on English soil. But treachery still dogs the resistance and, hunted by the Gestapo and the British police, Nick and his girlfriend Angel desperately race to eliminate the real traitor. The story then escalates to an explosive climax at the very centre of occupational power.
656 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2004
45 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 4, 2019
Fast-paced and entertaining from beginning to end, with fantastic minor and major AH details woven neatly into what in the end is a very basic, universal story about survival and loyalty. Some of the dialogue and action was a tad over-dramatic, and read a bit too much like a screenplay rather than a novel (hence four stars rather than five), but the characters, plot and setting as a whole nonetheless combined to make this a great novel.
May 23, 2017
In a Britain defeated and occupied by the Nazis, Nick Penny, the main character, finds himself employed as interpreter for the German provincial governor, while being recruited by a Resistance movement those leaders are on the brink of being betrayed. If the description of day-to-day life under Occupation is well rendered, and the plot quite well thought throughout (with dramas following each others, even if quite predictably) it's the moral dilemmas faced by a wide array of people under such extremes circumstances that makes 'Collaborator' appealing. Nick Penny's internal battles for instance, whenever collaborator or resistant, offer no Manichaeism but are a window open unto human value and moral when put in front of the unthinkable and/ or impossible choices. A nice read, which is a good look at human nature on top of being an entertaining alternate history.
January 24, 2018
As far as alternate histories (and Sidewise Award winners) go, "Collaborator" is a solid entry in the genre. It's certainly well-researched and engaging, but sometimes the switching of the point of view gets confusing and plot points get muddled. I credit some of the confusion to my own ignorance as there terms and phrases I've never seen before. C.J. Sansom's "Dominion" (another Sidewise winner) has a similar plot in a Nazi-occupied Britain and I think it does a better job with its alternate history. Still, "Dominion" takes place in London while "Collaborator" takes place in the English countryside, so the two novels compliment each other very well. The next book on my list is J.N. Stroyar's "The Children's War" and has somewhat of a similar plot to the other two. I've put off reading it because the tome is massive (over 1,600 pages), but the times has come to tackle it.
October 19, 2015
“In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”
― Charles Darwin
Collaborator is an alternate World War II. The Nazis have won the Battle of Britain, the British Government as well as most of the Royal Family have fled to Canada leaving most of the British public under the thumb of a brutal German rule.
Nick Penny returns to his occupied village from a prisoner of war camp to work as a translator for the German commander of the area and learns that his father was killed by the Germans during the invasion. Despite working for the Germans and as such regarded by many of the local inhabitants as a collaborator Penny discovers that his two oldest and best friends are in fact working for a growing Resistance group. Penny finds himself drawn into the small scale battles against the invaders and their helpers, the Militia.
Penny has little time for the local civic leaders whom he regard as mere sycophants yet he regards his own boss, Kurt von Glass, as a reasonably decent Nazi.This is an interesting juxtaposition as we see that in order to survive under an occupation, everyone must be a collaborator to some extent, and each person must decide how much collaboration is permissible.
When Germany invades Russia the Nazis become more stretched and more brutal sending Englishman to fight on the Eastern Front or work in German industry whilst creating British concentration camps for its Jewish population mirroring what it did in reality in other captured countries.
Most of the story is told from Penny's point of view but on occasion it swings between a number of different characters' viewpoints. Whilst it is nice to have these differing viewpoints, they are often rather jerky in nature. They do however, show how relationships change as choices are made and events occur. On the whole Penny is a likeable, humane character who is loyal to his friends and you want him to succeed whilst also knowing that his is a very limited lifespan.
The action is relatively unremitting and told at a fast pace making it hard to put down at times so a relatively quick read. Now I must admit that this is the first 'alternative' history book that I've read and whilst it was interesting up to a point I'm not sure that it is a genre that I would actively seek out. That said if you want something to while away the time on a long flight,train journey or laying beside the pool and don't want anything too taxing on the old grey cells you could certainly do far worse.
― Charles Darwin
Collaborator is an alternate World War II. The Nazis have won the Battle of Britain, the British Government as well as most of the Royal Family have fled to Canada leaving most of the British public under the thumb of a brutal German rule.
Nick Penny returns to his occupied village from a prisoner of war camp to work as a translator for the German commander of the area and learns that his father was killed by the Germans during the invasion. Despite working for the Germans and as such regarded by many of the local inhabitants as a collaborator Penny discovers that his two oldest and best friends are in fact working for a growing Resistance group. Penny finds himself drawn into the small scale battles against the invaders and their helpers, the Militia.
Penny has little time for the local civic leaders whom he regard as mere sycophants yet he regards his own boss, Kurt von Glass, as a reasonably decent Nazi.This is an interesting juxtaposition as we see that in order to survive under an occupation, everyone must be a collaborator to some extent, and each person must decide how much collaboration is permissible.
When Germany invades Russia the Nazis become more stretched and more brutal sending Englishman to fight on the Eastern Front or work in German industry whilst creating British concentration camps for its Jewish population mirroring what it did in reality in other captured countries.
Most of the story is told from Penny's point of view but on occasion it swings between a number of different characters' viewpoints. Whilst it is nice to have these differing viewpoints, they are often rather jerky in nature. They do however, show how relationships change as choices are made and events occur. On the whole Penny is a likeable, humane character who is loyal to his friends and you want him to succeed whilst also knowing that his is a very limited lifespan.
The action is relatively unremitting and told at a fast pace making it hard to put down at times so a relatively quick read. Now I must admit that this is the first 'alternative' history book that I've read and whilst it was interesting up to a point I'm not sure that it is a genre that I would actively seek out. That said if you want something to while away the time on a long flight,train journey or laying beside the pool and don't want anything too taxing on the old grey cells you could certainly do far worse.
November 23, 2019
Book Name - COLLABORATOR
Author- Murray Davies
Publishers – Pan Mcmillan
Book Ratings - 4.5/5
The cover has a comment from Daily Mirror for the book ‘A don’t dare-put-me-down book’ and that is exactly what it is. I picked this book up at a book fair at a bargain price and it proved to be a steal. I loved everything about the book – well almost.
The story is based in Nazi-occupied Britain and it is a perfect amalgamation of fiction and true events which make the book all the more enjoyable. It revolves around a central character – Nick Penny who after 4 months in a prisoner-of-war camp returns to his native place as an interpreter for the Germans. As the story progresses, he comes in touch with The Resistance which is an underground movement against the Nazis. One thing leads to another and Nick along with his childhood friends- Roy and Matty Cordington finds himself as a part of the movement. The characters are very relatable and one can almost feel what it would have been to live during those days. The story involves everything from Love to Corruption, Patriotism to Treachery with many more twists and turns.
What I loved about the book is that it is well researched, the narration is impressive, the characters are well developed and the alternate end at the last is wonderfully placed. Also, the cover of this book instantly draws you towards it. However, I also felt that the book could have been 40-45 pages smaller and with so many twist one might get confused somewhere in between.
To summarize my review, I loved this book and will look to read more from the author. It is a good piece of fiction with a perfect amount of true events. I will recommend this book to anyone who is willing to go for a roller coaster ride.
Author- Murray Davies
Publishers – Pan Mcmillan
Book Ratings - 4.5/5
The cover has a comment from Daily Mirror for the book ‘A don’t dare-put-me-down book’ and that is exactly what it is. I picked this book up at a book fair at a bargain price and it proved to be a steal. I loved everything about the book – well almost.
The story is based in Nazi-occupied Britain and it is a perfect amalgamation of fiction and true events which make the book all the more enjoyable. It revolves around a central character – Nick Penny who after 4 months in a prisoner-of-war camp returns to his native place as an interpreter for the Germans. As the story progresses, he comes in touch with The Resistance which is an underground movement against the Nazis. One thing leads to another and Nick along with his childhood friends- Roy and Matty Cordington finds himself as a part of the movement. The characters are very relatable and one can almost feel what it would have been to live during those days. The story involves everything from Love to Corruption, Patriotism to Treachery with many more twists and turns.
What I loved about the book is that it is well researched, the narration is impressive, the characters are well developed and the alternate end at the last is wonderfully placed. Also, the cover of this book instantly draws you towards it. However, I also felt that the book could have been 40-45 pages smaller and with so many twist one might get confused somewhere in between.
To summarize my review, I loved this book and will look to read more from the author. It is a good piece of fiction with a perfect amount of true events. I will recommend this book to anyone who is willing to go for a roller coaster ride.
June 14, 2019
What if
I love these what if books, I find this one true to life of that is possible about some thing that did not happen. The characters are so believable, we all like to think we would be in the resistance but talking to anyone who lived through WW2 and you soon learn about the shop keepers getting richer and keeping items back for special customers. Then there are those who would do anything to survive. So a five 🌟 book.
I love these what if books, I find this one true to life of that is possible about some thing that did not happen. The characters are so believable, we all like to think we would be in the resistance but talking to anyone who lived through WW2 and you soon learn about the shop keepers getting richer and keeping items back for special customers. Then there are those who would do anything to survive. So a five 🌟 book.
May 20, 2019
Set in a fictional England occupied by Germany in WW2. The story of a returning PoW, assigned to work as a translator for the Germans, and therefore considered a collaborator, who joins the resistance, and his family. Good read; reasonable period details, mostly believable characters and unexpected, if somewhat contrived, conclusion.
June 27, 2019
Very enjoyable in a style reminiscent of John Wyndham.
One teeny-weeny cavill - I'm sure that in 1940 telephone boxes did not take threepenny bits - they took pennies and shillings. The bronze threepenny bit was used with the new machines when Subscriber Trunk Dialling started in 1958 until decimalisation in 1971
One teeny-weeny cavill - I'm sure that in 1940 telephone boxes did not take threepenny bits - they took pennies and shillings. The bronze threepenny bit was used with the new machines when Subscriber Trunk Dialling started in 1958 until decimalisation in 1971
June 16, 2019
Excellent What if? Story of Britain under Nazi occupation
This is a book set in the aftermath of a successful German invasion of Britain in 1940. Well told and full of action. Thoroughly recommended.
This is a book set in the aftermath of a successful German invasion of Britain in 1940. Well told and full of action. Thoroughly recommended.
January 5, 2021
Excellent!
When you read, "I couldn't put it down," do you believe the statement?
Well, this time, it is true! Davies creates an authentic England under Nazi rule after 1940. Chilling but also convincing. Plenty of plot twists and the ending . . . Read it and find out!
When you read, "I couldn't put it down," do you believe the statement?
Well, this time, it is true! Davies creates an authentic England under Nazi rule after 1940. Chilling but also convincing. Plenty of plot twists and the ending . . . Read it and find out!
May 21, 2019
so good read
A very good read just felt rushed at the end, just have to wait for book two, be interesting to find out what happens next
A very good read just felt rushed at the end, just have to wait for book two, be interesting to find out what happens next
June 8, 2019
Brilliant
Loved every moment, I read a lot and this was outstanding, best read for a long time, different and very well done
Loved every moment, I read a lot and this was outstanding, best read for a long time, different and very well done
June 28, 2019
Did not like this book at all.
July 8, 2019
Really
What a difference this would have made the world had it happened. A really interesting story, a little frightening had it occurred. I enjoyed reading.
What a difference this would have made the world had it happened. A really interesting story, a little frightening had it occurred. I enjoyed reading.
May 9, 2020
Very much a pager turner. Would do well as a Nicholas Cage film: it's over the top , very unbelievable, but whatever, I enjoyed it.
June 12, 2019
The Collaborator
An exciting glimpse of what Britain might have been like under Nazi occupation,
Highly recommended, it to be missed excellent
An exciting glimpse of what Britain might have been like under Nazi occupation,
Highly recommended, it to be missed excellent
December 8, 2025
This is honestly one of the best books I've ever read. It's been a number of years since my first read and I picked it up a second time some years after and realized that it was at least as good on a re-read.
The entire story just works - there's no strange lapses in how things fit together and it is really well written.
The characters are interesting and stay true to form throughout the story and the story itself is an uncompromising piece where you just want to turn the pages.
Will probably read it a 3rd time in the not too distant future
The entire story just works - there's no strange lapses in how things fit together and it is really well written.
The characters are interesting and stay true to form throughout the story and the story itself is an uncompromising piece where you just want to turn the pages.
Will probably read it a 3rd time in the not too distant future
January 7, 2015
Would re-read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews