Harry Turtledove has been publishing surprising SF since 1979 and, presumably, writing it even longer. In that time he has been labeled the “Master of Alternate History” not least for his 11-novel Southern Victory series that follows an alternate outcome of the American Civil War, and for his 8-novel Worldwar series that considers the future of the Earth after a World War II that pits Allies against Axis against Aliens.

Powerless by Harry Turtledove is a gripping and thought-provoking dystopian tale that shows how one small act of defiance can ignite a cascade of life-altering consequences. Charlie Simpkins’ quiet refusal to comply with an oppressive regime is both inspiring and heartbreaking, capturing the courage and cost of standing by one’s principles. I found this story deeply engaging and gave it five stars for its sharp insight and emotional impact.

i wanted to like this work of Turtledove's but the more I read the more it became a slog. Is it quality writing, with engaging scenarios and characters? Yes. Is it repetitive? Yes. A very typical work of the author. He is an amazing Alt History author but often he can get quite wordy to an excess.

An intense story of an ordinary man in a totalitarian Russian controlled America that never was from the master of alternate history. I hope there will be more of Charlie’s story, I want to know what happens next.

Wow...an amazing addition from the master of the historical "what if".

"Powerless" by Harry Turtledove shows us a world where the USSR won the Cold War, spreading Marxism-Leninism-Stalinism around the globe. The United States has been fractured into a series of regional socialist republics. In the West Coast People's Democratic Republic, formerly the states of California, Oregon, and Washington, Charlie Simpkins, a proud grocer living in the San Fernando Valley, decides not to hang up the latest propaganda poster in the window of the grocery store he manages for the State. From this action, we watch Charlie's life changes repeatedly, a pawn in struggles far above and beyond Comrade Simpkins poor station in the WCPDR. Through Turtledove's amazing writing, we are brought along on an amazing emotional roller coaster along with Charlie.

A giant thank you to both NetGalley and Arc Manor/CAEZIK SF & Fantasy for the opportunity to enjoy this eARC.

Yet another really excellent book by the master of 'What if.....'
Really enjoyable to read and you find yourself rooting for the hero.
Superb description of the quite appalling way in which the people in the story have to live.

This should be mandatory reading in todays times. It's a eye opening story about what can easily happen. a great story of how repression exists and continues.