American War

More about the book

Powerful and haunting, this debut novel presents a postapocalyptic universe reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's work, while also exploring the fallout of national events on an American family, akin to Philip Roth's narrative. Set against the backdrop of a second American Civil War in 2074, the story follows Sarat Chestnut, a young girl from Louisiana, as she navigates a world where oil is outlawed, the landscape is half submerged, and drones dominate the skies. After her father's death, Sarat and her family find themselves in Camp Patience, a refuge for displaced persons. Here, she begins to mature, shaped by the chaos around her. However, not everyone in the camp is trustworthy. Sarat forms a bond with a mysterious functionary who transforms her into a lethal weapon of war. The choices she makes will have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only her own family but also the broader fabric of society, echoing through generations of both strangers and kin. This audacious narrative raises profound questions about the implications of internal conflict and the devastating impact of policy decisions on individuals and families.