The Probability Broach

The Probability Broach follows Denver police detective Win Bear in an alternate 1987 America where an authoritarian government strictly controls citizens' rights and freedoms. After investigating a physicist's murder, Bear finds himself transported to a parallel universe through a device called the Probability Broach. In this alternate reality, known as the North American Confederacy, Bear discovers a society that evolved along radically different political lines after a small change in the Declaration of Independence. The story explores this world through Bear's encounters with his parallel self, various citizens, and even intelligent dolphins who serve as scientists. The parallel universe setting allows the contrast between two vastly different versions of North America, with Bear navigating both a murder investigation and his understanding of an unfamiliar society. The narrative integrates elements of police procedural, science fiction, and political speculation. The book serves as a vehicle for examining fundamental questions about the relationship between government and individual liberty, presenting an experimental vision of how alternative political choices might reshape society. The story positions itself in the tradition of speculative fiction that uses parallel worlds to explore political philosophy.

Readers describe this as an imaginative alternate history that explores libertarian themes through parallel universes. Many embrace its vision of a society without government control, with one reader noting "it challenged my assumptions about the role of the state." Readers highlighted: - Creative worldbuilding details - Fast-paced action sequences - Thought-provoking political discussions - The chimpanzee character as a unique element Common criticisms: - Heavy-handed libertarian messaging - Underdeveloped female characters - Plot holes in the parallel universe premise - Dialogue that reads like political lectures Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (300+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.7/5 (400+ ratings) One reader noted: "Great ideas buried under clunky writing." Another stated: "Changed how I think about freedom, despite its flaws." The book appears to resonate most with readers already interested in libertarian philosophy.

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand A railroad executive fights against government control in an alternate America where individual liberty faces systematic destruction.

Alongside Night by J. Neil Schulman The story follows a teenager during the collapse of the U.S. government amid counter-economic underground movements.

The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein A lunar colony launches a revolution against Earth-based authority using free market principles and individualist philosophy.

The Unincorporated Man by Dani Kollin A man awakens in a future where every person is a corporation and shares of individuals are traded on the market.

Jennifer Government by Max Barry Corporations run the world in a privatized future where employees take their company names as surnames and government power has nearly vanished.

🔹 The author was influenced by Robert A. Heinlein's works, and The Probability Broach shares similar libertarian themes found in Heinlein's The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress. 🔹 L. Neil Smith received the Prometheus Award for Best Libertarian Fiction in 1982 for The Probability Broach, marking the first year this award was presented. 🔹 The novel's key divergence point occurs in 1794 when Albert Gallatin successfully convinces George Washington to take a milder approach to the Whiskey Rebellion, leading to a libertarian revolution. 🔹 The book was adapted into a graphic novel in 2004, illustrated by Scott Bieser, making the complex political themes more accessible to younger readers. 🔹 The intelligent dolphins featured in the story are part of a larger tradition in science fiction, including works like David Brin's Uplift series, exploring themes of non-human sentience and rights.