1945 (Conroy novel)
Encyclopedia
1945 is a 2007 novel written by Robert Conroy
, the author of other alternate history novels, such as 1901 and 1862.
in World War II
had been hijacked by extremists, forcing U.S. President Harry S. Truman
to order more atomic bombings and an invasion of the Japanese home islands
. Also featured in the book is a coup de etat by japanese officers and the breakout of Hirohito by an american officer
said that 1945 was "realistic to the point of gruesomeness, 1945 recalls David Westheimer
’s classic Lighter than a Feather." Publishers Weekly
said that Conroy explored the carnage of war through various viewpoints with "moving and thought provoking results".
Robert Conroy
-Writing career:*His first novel, 1901, deals with a German invasion of Long Island.*His second novel, 1862, is based on what might have happened had the United Kingdom entered into the American Civil War on the side of the Confederacy....
, the author of other alternate history novels, such as 1901 and 1862.
Plot summary
1945 depicts what could have happened if Japan's surrenderSurrender of Japan
The surrender of Japan in 1945 brought hostilities of World War II to a close. By the end of July 1945, the Imperial Japanese Navy was incapable of conducting operations and an Allied invasion of Japan was imminent...
in World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
had been hijacked by extremists, forcing U.S. President Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman was the 33rd President of the United States . As President Franklin D. Roosevelt's third vice president and the 34th Vice President of the United States , he succeeded to the presidency on April 12, 1945, when President Roosevelt died less than three months after beginning his...
to order more atomic bombings and an invasion of the Japanese home islands
Operation Downfall
Operation Downfall was the Allied plan for the invasion of Japan near the end of World War II. The operation was cancelled when Japan surrendered after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union's declaration of war against Japan. The operation had two parts: Operation...
. Also featured in the book is a coup de etat by japanese officers and the breakout of Hirohito by an american officer
Literary significance and reception
BooklistBooklist
Booklist is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. It is geared toward libraries and booksellers and is available in print or online...
said that 1945 was "realistic to the point of gruesomeness, 1945 recalls David Westheimer
David Westheimer
David Westheimer was an American novelist best known for writing the 1964 novel Von Ryan's Express which was adapted as a 1965 movie starring Frank Sinatra and Trevor Howard....
’s classic Lighter than a Feather." Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents...
said that Conroy explored the carnage of war through various viewpoints with "moving and thought provoking results".