55 pages • 1 hour read
American War
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Book Brief
432
Novel • Fiction
Southern USA • 2070s
2017
Adult
18+ years
890L
Super Short Summary
American War by Omar El Akkad is a speculative fiction novel set in a dystopian near-future where climate change has ravaged the American East Coast, triggering a Second American Civil War between the federal government and Southern states over the prohibition of fossil fuels. The narrative follows Sarat Chestnut, who is radicalized by personal tragedies and societal upheaval, through her journey of survival, insurgency, and ultimate revenge. The book contains depictions of war-related violence and torture.
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Gritty
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
45,320 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
American War by Omar El Akkad offers a haunting examination of a second American Civil War and the devastation of climate change. Critics praise its chilling plausibility and strong narrative voice, but some note its slow pacing and bleakness. The novel’s compelling character development and insightful socio-political commentary make it a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read American War?
A reader who would enjoy American War by Omar El Akkad is likely fascinated by dystopian literature and near-future speculative fiction. Fans of The Road by Cormac McCarthy and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel will appreciate its gripping narrative, rich character development, and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in times of conflict.
45,320 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Albert Gaines
Albert Gaines
Gaines is an ex-U.S. soldier and surgeon turned terrorist recruiter for the Southern cause. He mentors Sarat in her transformation.
Benjamin Chestnut
Benjamin Chestnut
Benjamin is Sarat's nephew and the narrator of the novel. As a historian, he explores the events of the Second American Civil War.
Martina Chestnut
Martina Chestnut
Martina is Sarat's mother, who moves her family to Camp Patience seeking safety from the war.
Simon Chestnut
Simon Chestnut
Simon is Sarat's older brother. He joins a Southern militia and is severely injured in the Camp Patience massacre.
Karina Chowdhury
Karina Chowdhury
Karina is Simon's caretaker, later becoming his wife and mother to their son, Benjamin.
Dana Chestnut
Dana Chestnut
Dana is Sarat's fraternal twin sister. She is more conventional and perishes in a drone strike.
Joe (Yousef Bin Rashid)
Joe (Yousef Bin Rashid)
Joe is an operative for the Bouazizi Union, involved in destabilizing the U.S. by aiding the Southern cause.
432
Novel • Fiction
Southern USA • 2070s
2017
Adult
18+ years
890L
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