Irish Eye on Hollywood: HBO to Release The Plot Against America in March

One of the more interesting political novels in recent years is being brought to television by HBO, featuring several big Hollywood names as well as an up-and-coming actor from Northern Ireland. Back in 2004, celebrated writer Philip Roth released an unusual novel called The Plot Against America. Best known for his often comic and deeply literary depictions of Jewish-American life, in this book, Roth took those ingredients but added a heaping dose of speculative history. The book explores what might have happened during the World War II-era had famed aviator – and later, unapologetic supporter of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler – Charles Lindbergh become president. What follows is a chilling portrait of a society in the grips of a demagogue, who is more than willing to exploit any and all fears for political power. Such concepts seem quite relevant in 2020. The Plot Against America comes to HBO in March, starring Winona Ryder and John Turturro, as well as West Belfast native Anthony Boyle, who has appeared in films such as Tolkien and The Lost City of Z, as well as TV shows like Derry Girls. ♦