We Install and Other Stories

Turtledove (the War That Came Early series) is known for detailed, lengthy, and masterly alternate-history series. This collection proves that he’s just as talented at creating short stories, which here range from the pithy and humorous to the deeply lyrical and complex. Some gems include “Under St. Peter’s,” an alternate history in which a stunning secret is revealed about Catholicism; “Father of the Groom,” wherein a mad scientist’s bridezilla daughter-in-law gets an unexpected comeuppance; and “Drang Von Osten,” a sideways take on WWII. Three essays round out the collection—on the subjects of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, methodologies of writing alternate history, and the celebration of Hanukkah—and give unique insight into his life as a writer. Turtledove’s prose is witty and inviting throughout. This is an excellent primer for those who haven’t read Turtledove’s other work, and a must-read for his longtime fans. (Aug.)