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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
American War isn’t so much a speculative story of a future civil war but rather what the ravages of war inflict upon a people. Whether they inhabit present day Ethiopia and Syria or future America. That being said it’s a pretty bleak novel overall—set in the final decades of the 21st century you’d be forgiven if the hallowing out of the federal institutions, the scourge of climate change and a fast moving plague all sound familiar. Yet this is all background noise as we follow Sarat’s life in hell. I can’t say I had much sympathy for her and the choices she made but then again that is likely the point of this novel—war makes you act in ways you never would imagine you’re capable of.
Thoroughly lived-in vision of a hellish and realistic future. Americans succumbing to terroristic tactics learned from 21st century wars, and yet somehow it's a comforting read that never loses sight of the country's natural beauty, even as it's gripped by climate change. Just don't call it prophetic okay?
challenging
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book was phenomenal. I hate that it felt so real.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The subject matter was interesting but the author's clipped style made me cringe. It was also very slow reading, like The Grapes of Wrath only with a future dystopia setting with war all around.
2.5 stars. I don't recommend this book. It was ok. I listened to it and I found it difficult to follow. This want just a story, I felt the author had a message and was pushy about it. I don't like that. War sucks. There's evil on both sides. I get it.
This novel is a brilliant depiction of the destructive influence partisanship, regionalism, war, and unaddressed personal tragedy can have on individuals and the United States as a whole. It is not necessarily a new story, but told in a unique, futuristic setting that also hits close to home.
El Akkad weaves together the story of the Second American Civil War, which begins when southern states secede over their desire to keep fossil fuels instead of renewable energy, with a story of personal and family tragedy, fueling the desire for vengeance by many. Initially, I hesitated believing that a second Civil war would be fought over renewable energy, especially with the rising ocean levels and eroding coastline that are apparent in this futuristic world. But, it is easy to remain blind in the midst of overwhelming evidence when we are blindly committed to a particular ideal. This is evidence in our political partisanship even today.
El Akkad layers betrayal and vengeance throughout his story. Sarat seeks vengeance for betrayal and harm that was delivered upon her family, much like the North punishes the South for what it sees as a betrayal, and the South in turn punishes the North for its attack on southern culture, traditions, and regional independence. The bitter cycle emboldens each party and leads to further tragedy and even more vengeance.
To me, this story delivers warnings to Americans about the use of power, both national and political, and what might happen if we remain blind.
El Akkad weaves together the story of the Second American Civil War, which begins when southern states secede over their desire to keep fossil fuels instead of renewable energy, with a story of personal and family tragedy, fueling the desire for vengeance by many. Initially, I hesitated believing that a second Civil war would be fought over renewable energy, especially with the rising ocean levels and eroding coastline that are apparent in this futuristic world. But, it is easy to remain blind in the midst of overwhelming evidence when we are blindly committed to a particular ideal. This is evidence in our political partisanship even today.
El Akkad layers betrayal and vengeance throughout his story. Sarat seeks vengeance for betrayal and harm that was delivered upon her family, much like the North punishes the South for what it sees as a betrayal, and the South in turn punishes the North for its attack on southern culture, traditions, and regional independence. The bitter cycle emboldens each party and leads to further tragedy and even more vengeance.
To me, this story delivers warnings to Americans about the use of power, both national and political, and what might happen if we remain blind.
The first half of this book was five-star-brilliant. I was captivated by the story of Sarat and her family and I would have been satisfied had the book stayed in that timeline, but it lost me a little bit as it moved through the years. It was certainly well written, and Akkad presents a believable world, but there was little (or nothing) redemptive about the main character by the end and I didn't like not feeling anything when she ultimately met her fate. For all the recognition this book received, I wanted more. Still, three stars for the last half rounds it out to a respectable four stars. Akkad has a beautiful way with language, so whether I loved the story or not, it doesn't negate that fact. He creates vivid scenes that sear themselves to a readers minds eye.
"American War" tells the story of one Mississippi family, the Chestnuts, as they try to live through America's second civil war. Set in 2074, "American War" gives us a vision of a world disrupted by rising temperatures, rising sea levels, and rising incidents of severe storms. These disruptions, and America's reactions to them, give rise to an internal conflict bearing strong similarities both to our actual Civil War and to our "forever wars" in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In fact, I suggest that Chestnuts' journey is actually an allegory for different aspects of life in contemporary war-torn nations. From life in a long-term refugee camp to recruitment into various militias or radicalized factions; from the constant threat of "death from above" to the character-twisting effects of long-term torture, isolation, and waterboarding, "American War" isn't just the story of a speculative American war against itself at some time in the future. "American War" is the story of the effects of "forever wars" all over the globe.
So, hey, thought-provoking stuff. Why only three stars? Because "American War" is so unrelentingly depressing that I forced myself to push through it. I read the paper every day: I already get all the depression I need. Still, if my description at all sparked your interest, I think you'll find "American War" to be worth your time.
In fact, I suggest that Chestnuts' journey is actually an allegory for different aspects of life in contemporary war-torn nations. From life in a long-term refugee camp to recruitment into various militias or radicalized factions; from the constant threat of "death from above" to the character-twisting effects of long-term torture, isolation, and waterboarding, "American War" isn't just the story of a speculative American war against itself at some time in the future. "American War" is the story of the effects of "forever wars" all over the globe.
So, hey, thought-provoking stuff. Why only three stars? Because "American War" is so unrelentingly depressing that I forced myself to push through it. I read the paper every day: I already get all the depression I need. Still, if my description at all sparked your interest, I think you'll find "American War" to be worth your time.
In the year 2074, another American Civil War has broken out. A massive plague has taken countless lives. Suicide bombers are killing and maiming. Sarat, a six year old when this takes place, is shaped by all the events. She is eventually approached by American War’s mystery man. He molds and shapes her into a product of her environment. The choices made shapes everything to come.
American War had a few lulls and some areas that were very predictable. It’s also a little bit unbelievable in parts. This slightly bothered me. One other point, for me, it is slightly edgier than YA title. This isn’t normally in my toolbox.
American War had a few lulls and some areas that were very predictable. It’s also a little bit unbelievable in parts. This slightly bothered me. One other point, for me, it is slightly edgier than YA title. This isn’t normally in my toolbox.