When the Almond Tree Blossoms

This book is a masterpiece. Not only is the writing good, but the story is scary and realistic. The "fiction" of which Aikman wrote is just around the corner if "liberal" leftists take over the country. All one has to do is look at the totalitarianism in the schools, media and govermment wherever the leftists are in charge. Imagine a government where mere speech is a crime; where being a "white" person is grounds for discrimination and hatred; where perverted sex acts are taught in schools. The horrors of the left could become a reality if the people fail to remain vigilant. Read this book and tremble.

I originally purchased the book in 1995 and was overwhelmed by the believable possibilities. Naturally, the story has lingered with me waiting patiently for some conclusion, and by now I'm not sure there ever will be one. But that doesn't change the impact that this half-completed image of our possible future has.Now that I've read it for the second time, and see many of the proposed dates have passed us by, I'm still struck by the vision that Mr. Aikman has shown. Now the question is not whether our government could be overthrown by socialists, but whether there will be any resistance at all to American socialism.The first time I read it, I was struck by the pessimism about America's short term future. Now it seems that I'm take by his optimism concerning the long term. Will America learn the lessons of freedom and morality (not a contradiction), or will it continue it's course of choosing security over liberty? While this doesn't seem directly related to the book, it shows the impact that it's ideas can still render. That's my test of a book - will it still be able to challenge my thoughts the next time I read it? This book has that ability.I have no doubt that ten years from now I will enjoy looking again into this world of Nationalist Russia (not such a ridiculous thought now as it was then), China turning towards freedom (which is what some hope to accomplish by establishing a more friendly relationship), and America at war with herself. And when I do, I will once again consider the long-term courses that the world powers are taking.Now to my complaints. In my hardback copy there are many cases of missing quotation marks (frustrating), a few changes of spelling (as another reviewer pointed out), and the terrible absence of a conclusion. It's as if he simply ran out of paper. The book is wrapped up in about three pages while leaving the majority of questions unanswered. In fact, after first reading it, I set about to find the obvious sequel. But there was not one then, and there is not one now. For those who've advocated a movie adaptation - someone had better write and ending before the thought is even presented to a studio.

Aikman holds an accurate pulse on world politics. An expert in Soviet affairs, he has painted a frightening landscape of a possible future -- a world in which the fragility of American power is tested. This is a marvelous novel, a thinking mans story that is far more chilling than the works of his less-informed contemporaries. This book should be read, both for fun and enlightenment! PAY ATTENTION HOLLYWOOD -- WHEN CAN WE EXPECT THE MOVIE!!!

This is one scary book. It's not Steven King, but it's much more frightening. King scares you while you read it, then you forget about it and go about your business. The terror of this book stays with you AFTER you put it down. I found myself wondering what the hero, Doug Richfield, would do next. He could be you or me, caught up in a wonderland of rapidly shifting political intrigues. Cool stuff of the highest caliber. When you pick it up you won't put it down. This would make a great flick!!!!!!

Aikman's insight and knowledge is nothing more than amazing. His forcast might be a little to soon but how far is he from the truth. With an ever increasing power in Iran, plus the possible rise of nationalist in Russia his knowledge gives a chilling look at a possible future. The ending would be better if a sequel were iminent but since one has not been written it lacks any finality. Yet, I would strongly recommend the book for any student of history and world politics.