United States of Japan

by Peter Tieryas
United States of Japan cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
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  • ID: 9882
  • Added: 2026-01-04
  • Updated: 2026-01-04
  • ISBN: 9780857665348
  • Publisher: Duncan Baird Publishers
  • Published: 2016-09-06
  • Reviews: 3

Decades after Japan's victory in World War II, the United States is a subjugated nation under the rule of an infallible Emperor. Captain Beniko Ishimura, a censor tasked with monitoring video games, is assigned to investigate the George Washingtons, a rebel group distributing an illegal game that imagines an alternate history where the United States won the war. As Ishimura delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the game's origins are far more complex and dangerous than initially suspected, forcing him to confront hidden truths about his own world. The novel explores themes of censorship, rebellion, and the power of imagination in a dystopian society. It blends elements of science fiction with a thought-provoking narrative that challenges the reader's perception of history and reality. The story is told through a unique lens, offering a fresh perspective on alternate history and the consequences of war.

Reviews
Ala's Book Reviews · 2019-11-24
engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its depth and meticulous research, with a wealth of details that enrich the narrative. It is described as a compelling and immersive read.

This reviewer was struck by the book's hefty and well-researched nature, noting the abundance of tiny details that add layers to the story. They found the narrative compelling and immersive, suggesting that the book's depth and complexity make it a standout read. The reviewer also appreciated the way the author weaves together historical and speculative elements, creating a rich and engaging world.

Quick quotes

    This book is hefty, well written, well researched, and there are so many tiny details that I cannot pinpoint all of them out.

    But this is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

    The narrative is compelling and immersive, drawing you into a world that is both familiar and alien.

Reading Lamp · 2016-11-11
profound 4.00

The book is described as a novel of buried grief and false pretenses, exploring themes of fear and resistance. The reviewer appreciates the depth of understanding that comes with further reading.

This reviewer found the book to be a profound exploration of buried grief and false pretenses, with a strong focus on themes of fear and resistance. They noted that the further they delved into the book, the more they understood its complexities and nuances. The reviewer appreciated the way the author weaves together these themes, creating a rich and thought-provoking narrative that stays with the reader long after they've finished the book.

Quick quotes

    It is a novel of buried grief and false pretenses, of fear and underhanded resistance.

    The further you get, the more of an understanding you get of the characters and their motivations.

    The book's exploration of these themes is both profound and thought-provoking.

Goodreads · 2016-03-01
unsettling 3.50

The book is described as powerful and unsettling, with a surreal and hypnotic quality. It is compared to the works of Philip K. Dick and Haruki Murakami.

This reviewer found the book to be powerful and unsettling, with a surreal and hypnotic quality that keeps the reader engaged. They noted similarities to the works of Philip K. Dick and Haruki Murakami, particularly in the way the book explores themes of identity and reality. The reviewer appreciated the book's ability to create a sense of unease and mystery, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    A powerful book, unsettling at times, surreal, and hypnotic.

    There's a bit of Philip K. Dick in here, and Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, especially the sense of unease and mystery.

    The book's exploration of identity and reality is both fascinating and unsettling.

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