This is a book that I have mixed feelings about. There were two main problems I had with the book. First it is somewhat predictable -- although interesting as an alternate history line type story. Second, the author has a tendency to digress into the minutia of the lives, and trivialities of the characters -- which makes it difficult to follow the story line at times. However, this is also an interesting look into the possible. I have always wondered if something like an extreme dictatorship could ever happen here. Many people frequently look at me a little weird when I say that. But history is full of examples of decayed republics that have been overcome by a rising party that has a great deal of influence, with the middle class peoples. Rome, Germany, Greece. This is not an impossibility, and this book presents the possibility that does, in fact exist -- even here.
From this stand point, I enjoyed this book. It is a critical look at a government that we like to believe it infallible -- but is in reality walking a fine edge between freedom, and oppression. This book presents the what if's of history -- and points out that this type of thing, can in fact happen here. When the people abdicate their rights, and become complacent. Something goes wrong, and suddenly they are so unhappy about their circumstances that they are willing to turn to anything, or anyone that will offer them relief. This is a Faustian deal, which will ultimately bring them more oppression than they can ever imagine. But on the surface, it looks so good at the time, and the extremes offer so much. But I have always felt that the price is too high! I would rather experience a little suffering now, and exercise a little more self control, than sell out everything I have to a devil that cannot be controlled.
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