51 pages • 1 hour read
The Flamethrowers
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Book Brief
383
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1970s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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
23,890 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
23,890 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Valera
Valera
A powerful and ambitious figure whose actions in the past have a lasting effect on his family and society, Valera is deeply involved in motorcycle culture and unafraid to pursue his desires at any cost.
Sandro Valera
Sandro Valera
Valera's second son, a trust fund artist who rejects family business in favor of an individualistic lifestyle, dealing with personal challenges and his relationship with Reno.
Ronnie Fontaine
Ronnie Fontaine
Sandro's best friend and the object of Reno's desire, known for his seductive yet abusive demeanor, his interactions with Reno illustrate the complexities of desire and self-awareness.
383
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1970s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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