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51 pages 1 hour read

Rachel Kushner

The Flamethrowers

Rachel KushnerFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Rachel Kushner

The Flamethrowers

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

383

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1970s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner follows Reno, a young artist who moves to New York City in the 1970s and becomes entangled with the wealthy, creative Sandro and his friend Ronnie. Her journey takes her from the art world of New York to the Italian countryside where she navigates complex relationships, her artistic ambitions, and political upheaval, embedding herself in labor rights movements that challenge the status quo. The novel includes instances of violence and exploitation.

Mysterious

Gritty

Adventurous

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.7

23,890 ratings

54%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Rachel Kushner’s The Flamethrowers is praised for its vivid prose and richly textured 70s setting, exploring themes of art, politics, and identity. Characters are compelling, though some critics find the plot meandering. The novel's ambitious narrative intertwines personal and historical events, delivering an intellectually stimulating, if occasionally uneven, read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Flamethrowers?

Readers who would enjoy Rachel Kushner's The Flamethrowers are typically intrigued by avant-garde art, radical politics, and the gritty underbelly of the 1970s New York scene. Fans of novels like Don DeLillo's White Noise or Patti Smith's Just Kids will appreciate its vibrant prose and intellectual depth.

3.7

23,890 ratings

54%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

383

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1970s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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