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smelendez's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mcwat's review
It wouldn't be wrong to call this an odd book, but it's not odd in a bad way. I sort of feel like many of its characters would judge me for making a statement like that. I feel as though they're watching me type this and snorting disdainfully. In the world of The Flamethrowers—in Italy, in New York, in Brazil—it's best to keep your mouth shut.
nataliaivonica's review against another edition
achava que depois de 63 páginas eu teria o mínimo de empatia pelos personagens, mas definitivamente não foi isso que aconteceu. em geral, o livro é bem mal escrito, todos os personagens falam de modo idêntico e ninguém é... sabe... interessante.
não entendo todas as reviews positivas na contra-capa, a história não saiu do lugar desde o começo e é colocada de um modo tão confuso e desinteresse que parece que a autora se contradiz o tempo todo.
ain't nobody got time for that.
não entendo todas as reviews positivas na contra-capa, a história não saiu do lugar desde o começo e é colocada de um modo tão confuso e desinteresse que parece que a autora se contradiz o tempo todo.
ain't nobody got time for that.
debs4jc's review against another edition
2.0
The year is 1975 and Reno--so-called because of the place of her birth--has come to New York intent on turning her fascination with motorcycles and speed into art. Her arrival coincides with an explosion of activity in the art world--artists have colonized a deserted and industrial SoHo, are staging actions in the East Village, and are blurring the line between life and art. Reno meets a group of dreamers and raconteurs who submit her to a sentimental education of sorts. Ardent, vulnerable, and bold, she begins an affair with an artist named Sandro Valera, the semi-estranged scion of an Italian tire and motorcycle empire. When they visit Sandro's family home in Italy, Reno falls in with members of the radical movement that overtook Italy in the seventies. (Cover description)
I listened to this and it was OK. I got lost in parts, didn't feel a strong connection to the characters, and found parts of it kind of vulgar.
I listened to this and it was OK. I got lost in parts, didn't feel a strong connection to the characters, and found parts of it kind of vulgar.
ralizakatherine's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
metalphoenix's review
3.0
This book had some really wonderful passages, but was ultimately kind of boring. The main protagonist spends much of the book completely passive, letting things happen to her instead of taking action. That seems to be her personality, and a lot of the point of the book - she is more a witness to those that might be labled the flame throwers. Even when she joins the riots, she's an unaware bystander, and later a clueless accomplice. It's somewhat implied this is the better way to be, but I'm not sure I buy it within the context of the story.
For a book supposedly leading up to the riots in Italy and New York, most of the book deals rather distainfully with the art world of the 70s. There's a lot of exploration of different artistic figures and the artificial hierarchy of what is considered daring, provocative art and what is old hat. This part of the book is the most interesting to me, and it feels a lot more polished and decisive in opinion than the other parts.
None of the characters are particularly likeable, though the closet is Reno, the main protagonist. But again, she's too passive. The character also has a tendency to be simultaneously naive and too aware of the irony and hidden meanings of the world around her. It makes her a somewhat unrealistic narrator, a little too much like Kushner coming through.
Overall, it's not really my type of book, but the writing is sharp and full of meaning, even if the characters and situation don't really live up to the content.
For a book supposedly leading up to the riots in Italy and New York, most of the book deals rather distainfully with the art world of the 70s. There's a lot of exploration of different artistic figures and the artificial hierarchy of what is considered daring, provocative art and what is old hat. This part of the book is the most interesting to me, and it feels a lot more polished and decisive in opinion than the other parts.
None of the characters are particularly likeable, though the closet is Reno, the main protagonist. But again, she's too passive. The character also has a tendency to be simultaneously naive and too aware of the irony and hidden meanings of the world around her. It makes her a somewhat unrealistic narrator, a little too much like Kushner coming through.
Overall, it's not really my type of book, but the writing is sharp and full of meaning, even if the characters and situation don't really live up to the content.
cassandralovesfeta's review
2.0
A lack of character development and plot handicap this novel from the start to the finish. It isn't worth your time.
kiki_pegg's review
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.5
Italy really changed this book- once they got to Italy it was worth it. Took a while to get into. Flashes of brilliance.
It was only her that was the revolutionary not any of the men… that sold it to me