| Half a Crown | |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Jo Walton |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Small Change |
| Genre(s) | Alternate history novel |
| Publisher | Tor Books |
| Publication date | 30 September 2008 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| ISBN | 978-0765316219 |
| OCLC Number | 213301014 |
| Dewey Decimal | 823/.914 22 |
| LC Classification | PR6073.A448 H34 2008 |
| Preceded by | Ha'penny |
Half a Crown is a science fiction novel written by Jo Walton published by Tor Books in September, 2008. The first "Small Change" novel, Farthing, was released in August 2006. The second novel in the trilogy, Ha'penny, was released in October 2007.
Contents |
The book is a thriller set inside an alternate history in which the United Kingdom made peace with Adolf Hitler and the United States did not become involved in World War II. The British government has become fascist and authoritarian. Peter Carmichael, formerly an Inspector for Scotland Yard, is now head of the secret police called "The Watch". He must deal with political intrigue by those jealous of his position and safeguard his teenage ward while keeping secret his illicit activities helping Jews and dissidents who wish to flee the country.
Publishers Weekly was mixed in their review saying "Walton's understated prose and deft characterizations elevate this above similar works such as Fatherland and SS-GB. Some readers, though, may feel let down by an optimistic ending that jars with the series' overall downbeat tone."[1]
Half a Crown was a finalist for the 2009 Prometheus Award.[2]