If the North Had Won the Civil War: An Alternate History

by Andrew J. Heller

From the author of the best-selling alternate histories Gray Tide in the East and Tidal Effects comes a unique look at the American Civil War. If the North Had Won the Civil War is two alternate history novels in one. The modern story follows Stonewall Jackson "Jack" Sawyer, a history professor in the modern-day Confederate States of America and his alternate history "If the North Had Won the Civil War" in a nation where publication of his book is a criminal offense. The story gives the reader a look at a nightmarish modern-day Confederacy where any person with a drop of black blood in his veins is denied basic human rights and confined to a "Preserve." Interwoven with the adventures of Jack, his fiancée Annabelle Parkins, his friend and fellow history professor Buzz Hanson, and Buzz's girlfriend, the mulatto escort, Lydia Starkwell, is Jack's book. This is an alternate history of the Civil War written with the painstaking historical authenticity and attention to detail that Mr. Heller's fans have come to expect. The characters in this book-within-a-book are actual figures in the Civil War, and the military tactics and strategies are based on those of the historical war. The fiction is followed by a lively and informative factual discussion of the Civil War, and a bibliographic essay.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2015

Reviews

[Victoria Haugen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I'm a traditionalist and constitutionalist, so I was a bit skeptical in beginning this one, but actually found it very interesting and well-written. The creation of two alternate worlds is well done and creative. It definitely gives you "food for thought" and I did enjoy listening. Whether you're left or right-minded, I think everyone can take something from it, and it definitely gets you thinking! Great job.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Nathan Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unique and interesting alternate history.

[Erik Sapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Know the Civil War

I must commend the author for an understandable book. With so much going on (in the “modern” era and the 1860s), it would be very easy for this to turn into a shambles of people and places. The authors does a good job of keeping the story coherent and readable.

The biggest issue I had was following the fictional events of the Civil War. I suspect someone much more familiar with the battles and the people would have a better understanding. It is clear enough to be readable, but there were many times I got a bit confused as to what was supposed to be happening. (And since it is a fictionalized account, I couldn’t even look the battles up online to help me understand.)

Overall an interesting, easy read.

[Adam M Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting alternative “alternative” history book

Very good alternative history book taking place where the South actually wins the Civil War and yet a history professor in the south writes a book about what if the union and actually won the Civil War. The intermix between the actual storyline and excerpts from his book made it a very interesting read. Thought it ended a bit quickly and a bit overly optimistic.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't think I was going to like this book as much as I did. It's definitely slow to start and if you're not a history buff, you're going to be bored to death with the details at the beginning. Once it gets into the modern day story and it explores the consequences of the existence of the CSA, the book really grips you. It's definitely enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in alternative history.

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.I was bored part of the time,during the 'fake war stuff',but the other part of the time I was very enthralled.It was not the book I thought it would be,but it was better.The real ending was like a Pioriot mystery.lol Kristen S. Osborne was a good narrator.I think a male narrator may have been better,if even just for the war dialog.A very good read. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.' 

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating look at A Southern victory

Love among adjuncts. A bantustan in the usa. Law of return in the carolinas! Wonderful analysis of the twists of history.