Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The most terrifying dystopia since 1984., January 25, 1999
By A Customer
I first heard about the Draka series when I was hanging out on one of the alternative history newsgroups. There was much discussion about the Draka series, with many saying it was the most plausible alternative history series ever, and others called it unbelievable. Since the series seemed to stir such strong emotions, I decided to buy the series. Since Marching Through Georgia was out of print, I bought under the yoke instead. After finishing it, I realized that this wasn't really alternative history - instead, it was the best dystopian novel since 1984.The Draka series does have an interesting, if implausible, alternative history. During the American Revolution, the Netherlands declares war against Britain two years early. Britain seizes South Africa, and after the Revolution is over, Britain sends all of the Tories, most of whom are slaveholders, to South Africa. This colony, named after Sir Francis Drake, florishes, and soon conquers all of Africa. The Domination of the Draka is made up of a master Race, and millions of serfs (slaves) who are utterly dominated by their masters. During World War I, the Draka seize most of the Middle East and parts of Asia. During World War II (known in this timeline as the Eurasian War), the Draka manage to conquer the rest of Europe and most of Asia. Under the Yoke is set in the aftermath of the war, when the Draka are still consolidating their hold over Europe. Ostensibly Under the Yoke is a spy story, about an American agent who tries to smuggle out a nuclear scientist. But this story takes a back seat to Stirling's exploration of Draka society. What makes it so utterly terrifying is that Stirling makes us believe that a society where 90% of the populace are slaves could not only work, but actually thrive. In addition, the Draka themselves are fascinating. They are kind to their children, they are environmentalists, and they do not torture or kill without cause (usually). But they simply do not accept what we take to be "self-evident" - that all men are created equal. And in the end, the Draka are more terrifying and evil because they are also so human. (This is a weakness of the other Draka books, where often Stirling portrays the Draka as supermen without also showing their evil). Thus, the comparison to 1984 - you want to deny that a society could exist without freedom, but Stirling makes you doubt it. There are some problems with the book. Stirling seems to love to add gratuitous sex and violence, and seems particularly obsessed with the Draka's (...) promiscuity. Stirling also seems to be taken with the supposed realism of his timeline, when frankly it is wildly implausible - the Draka are unbelievably lucky way to many times in their history. But, if you have a strong stomach, Under the Yoke is an excellent, frightening novel of a world that none of us would ever want to visit.
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Engrossing,horrifying,and thought provoking., May 30, 1998
By A Customer
I have been a fan of Stirling's Draka series since I picked up a copy of MTG ten years ago. Having spent several years in the military and being a history buff Stirling's grasp of these topics is very impressive, but Under The Yoke is the keystone to his whole series. In the Draka Stirling has kept the best (and worst) traits of the Romans,Spartans and yes the Athenians. These are not a sweet lovable people, they conquer and they don't believe in the oneness of Humanity. They have taken Darwin and warped him. In this second installment we are treated to the spectacle of a conquered and enslaved Europe. I for one found this to be very disturbing but I also appreciated the irony. For in this novel the Europeans are getting back what they have given to others over the centuries only this race of conquers is in many respects superior. They don't mindlessly exploit the land and it's resources for they to live there. Most of the Draka treat their Serfs (or slaves) with a modicum of humanity and they are not cruel for the sake of cruelty(well most aren't). But the Draka are descended from history's losers and this time they are determined not to end up at the bottom. For those who find this series to be depressing try looking upon it as cautionary tale. This is what the Human race could have ended up like. In reality we are sloppy,self-indulgent,silly,and even lovable,but we are free and we have no Draka. Stirling knows this,but he also knows that we must always be vigilant. Incidentally he is also a fantastic action writer.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A better than average alternate history thriller, August 26, 1998
By A Customer
Stirling's Draka books are among the more disturbing science fiction works I have ever read, which is one measure of how good they are. If the purpose (a la Asimov) of good sci-fi is to provoke thoughts about the real future and our real society, UTY succeeds splendidly. The alternate history postulates, as said in the first book of the series, Marching through Georgia, an "anti-America." That is, a post-colonial nation with all the energies and ambition of the USA, but with an absolutely inverted philosophy of citizenship and the state. Racism, elitism, and totalitarianism are not only tolerated but actively encouraged, to preserve the eternal supremacy of the Draka, white overlords of a thoroughly industrialized Africa. Slavery is seen as a positive good, democracy is held in contempt, and history and culture are treated as plastic constructs, to be manipulated by the state as needed. (As examples, all religion is ruthlessly suppressed except for the official state-sponsored, slaves-only cults, with suitably doctored scriptures; furthermore, "widespread literacy" among slaves is targeted for elimination). The fans of deconstructionism would cringe; the Draka think nothing of rewriting history, literature, and art, if it serves their purpose of mass propaganda. The novel is set in a post WW2 Europe, where the Draka have subjugated all of continental Europe through mass purges, and America (us good guys) is trying to keep the flame of liberty alive. The most horrifying parts of the book deal with the utter degradation of the conquered peoples; one suspects that Hitler must have had fantasies like this. Stirling makes it all work, partly because the ruthless Draka are complex, believable characters, with their own code of ethics and honor. I would rate the book higher except for a few errors in execution, mostly having to do with language and technology, and for making the Draka seem just a little too much like Aryan supermen (they all seem to be black belts, Olympic quality marksmen, etc.) However, as a chilling picture of "what could be", this is hard to beat.
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