The Alteration by Kingsley Amis

Hubert Anvil, a 10-year-old boy with an angelic voice, is caught in a dystopian world where the Church's power is unchallenged. The Church hierarchy decrees that Hubert must become a castrato, a decision that could bring him fame and fortune but also cut him off from the adult world he is curious to explore. As Hubert grapples with his fate, he must decide whether to defy the Holy Office and risk everything to discover the world beyond the Church's control. In this alternate reality where Martin Luther never reformed, the stakes are higher than ever, and Hubert's choices could change the course of history.

Reviews

The Reading Bug · 2021-11-30

compelling 4.00

The Alteration is an alternative history novel that stands out for its unique premise and engaging narrative. The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of a world where the Reformation never took place.

The Reading Bug's review of The Alteration praises its unique premise and engaging narrative. They find the novel's exploration of a world where the Reformation never took place to be particularly compelling. The reviewer appreciates the way Amis uses this alternate history to explore themes of power, control, and the human condition. They also highlight the book's well-developed characters and the way it balances historical detail with a gripping story. The reviewer finds the novel to be a thought-provoking and enjoyable read that offers a fresh perspective on history and society.

Quick quotes

The Alteration is an exception to that rule.

It is an alternative history novel set in an England where the reformation never took place.

The Alteration is an exception to that rule.

Sealion Press · Ryan · 2019-05-02

engaging 3.50

The Alteration has an interesting plot with distinct subplots that hold the interest, but it is let down by some odd elements. The reviewer finds the novel to be engaging but flawed.

Ryan's review of The Alteration for Sealion Press notes that the novel has an interesting plot with distinct subplots that keep the reader engaged. However, they find that the book is let down by some odd elements that detract from the overall experience. Ryan appreciates the book's exploration of a world where the Reformation never took place and the way it uses this premise to delve into themes of power and control. They also highlight the well-developed characters and the book's engaging narrative. However, they find that some of the subplots and elements feel out of place and detract from the overall impact of the novel. Despite these flaws, Ryan finds The Alteration to be a thought-provoking and enjoyable read that offers a fresh perspective on history and society.

Quick quotes

The Alteration overall has an interesting plot and a couple of distinct subplots that hold the interest throughout but is let down by an odd ...

The Atlantic · 2017-03-05

timely 4.50

The Alteration is a timely novel that explores the dangers of authoritarianism. It is a masterpiece of alternate history that is both overlooked and deeply relevant.

The Atlantic's review of The Alteration highlights its relevance in today's political climate. They describe it as a masterpiece of alternate history that quietly but powerfully explores the dangers of authoritarianism. The novel's setting in a world where the Reformation never occurred provides a unique lens through which to examine these themes. They appreciate the book's ability to be both thought-provoking and terrifying, making it a significant work that deserves more attention. The reviewer finds the novel's exploration of power and control particularly compelling, and they believe it offers valuable insights into the human condition.

Quick quotes

Kingsley Amis's 1976 alternate-history masterpiece The Alteration is an overlooked—but timely—novel about the dangers of authoritarianism.

Quieter Than '1984,' but No Less Terrifying

The Alteration is an overlooked—but timely—novel about the dangers of authoritarianism.

Appears in Lists

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