Book Review: A New America

Reviewed by Toni Woodruff

A gripping story that depicts a fictional, fragmented U.S. and the temptation of revolution

To some, the word secession might bring up antiquated, antebellum images of the Civil War. In Aaron Morell’s A New America, secession is the tragic present. 

Roman Wolfe is a California journalist who is investigating the secession and the country that is born from the event, Independence. Despite the brusque name, the sentiment of independence, freedom, and most importantly, tax-free lives are what the residents strongly value. 

Even with freedom at its helm, Independence has few foreign journalists covering the state of affairs first hand. Roman decides to pioneer this venture to explore the new, infant political topography and the policies enacted to preserve Independence. It becomes clear, at the very least to Roman, that Independence is not a far cry from its predecessor nation as it faces a monumental racial divide. 

Many of the residents have bought into a myth of Mexican cartels being smuggled into Independence by the United States and that many Latinos in the community are secretly harboring dangerous criminals. Roman’s own personal life also becomes a source of clashing conflict, as he tries to navigate a relationship with a secretive woman named Kat, an Independence resident. The inclination comes to the forefront during the Independence election year.

Something that is evidently clear from the initial pages is that this novel functions as a part exposé, part story. And it captivated me. Embedded between anecdotes of troubled farmers and disjointed families lies Roman’s thoughts throughout a personal journey. He offers a reasonable voice that cuts through the more reactionary beliefs that Independence was succumbing to. His voice has a ruminative coating, often thinking about the human instinct behind actions. Why were the people of Independence so afraid of the boogeyman they created? Roman offers the reader a lot of thoughtful discussion regarding this question. 

Roman’s relationship with Kat is also quite fascinating, if not saddening. Kat’s subpar treatment of Roman comes from her need to feel superior, stemming from her insecurity with her own mother. They keep wanting to recreate the lightning in a bottle moment of when they first met, not realizing how shrouded Kat’s life was. He reports their relationship similar to the way he reports other incidents in Independence; as though he is an observer and not part of it. This concept is well-executed, like many others concerning the politics of Independence, and it makes for a deep-thinking, thought-provoking novel. 

I longed to hear more from the youth though. They’re often mentioned as antagonizers or victims, but it’s rare to get the viewpoint of someone who grew up solely on Independence soil and has no other way of life. They come across mostly as political pawns, which is a compelling angle, but it does feel like we are missing something without their thoughts and internal experience.

I’d gladly recommend A New America to political fiction readers who have an interest in journalism or appreciate thought-provoking stories on America with a clear, riveting writing style.

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