minnejenny's profile picture

minnejenny 's review for:

American War by Omar El Akkad
4.0

The peek into our possible distopian future was morbidly intriguing and well told through the eyes of Sarat and Benjamin. I liked that they chose a Southern, "Red" voice to unfold the drama since we often think of the South as the losing side ever since the first Civil War. There are no winners, really. And no heroes. It's a story of pain, revenge, and ruin. But you at least understand why Sarat and others seek control in a world of chaos.

The water allegory woven throughout the story runs deep (pun intended). Water took away land and disturbed life due to climate change; was used to break people mentally and physically; soothed and healed Sarat; and, finally, was the resting place for many.