Phillip Roth (he also wrote the Human Stain) is one of this country’s most prolific modern writers. He has tackled many different subjects (often faith and sexuality) but most recently he has taken on the task of writing an alternative history of the United Stats during the Second World War. The book is called The Plot Against America, and it deals with an America that ignores the plight of a Europe under siege and instead becomes paranoid and isolationist.

Danville Kentucky plays a major role in the book, representing Middle America, the city plays host to Jewish families who are forced to relocate to the heartland in order to integrate into American culture (or so the plan is). Those who go to Danville, find it a strange place, but a great place full of friendly people and a robust way of life that many soon take to.

To make a long story short, the new arrivals to Danville come under siege from the Klu Klux Klan and through the bravery of many of Danville’s citizens they turn back the invaders and save many lives. This is testament to good people of Danville Kentucky, and it is surely who Phillip Roth chose the city in the first place. It is the heart of the heartland.