The Flamethrowers

by Rachel Kushner
The Flamethrowers cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Literary Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 713
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-09-20
  • ISBN: 9780099586982
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2014-01-01
  • Formats: 26
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

In 'The Flamethrowers,' Reno, a daring young artist, arrives in 1977 New York City on her motorcycle, diving headfirst into the city's vibrant art scene and bohemian culture. She becomes involved with a radical group and falls for the heir of an Italian tire empire, which leads her to Milan and into the heart of political unrest and violence. The novel explores themes of femininity, authenticity, and the blurred lines between art and life, all through the lens of Reno's unique and captivating journey. /n/nThe Flamethrowers is a critically acclaimed novel that has been shortlisted for prestigious awards like the Folio Prize and the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction. It's a story that captures the essence of a transformative era, filled with sensuality, danger, and the relentless pursuit of artistic expression.

Reviews
Andrew Blackman's Blog · Andrew Blackman · 2015-04-27
rewarding 4.20

The reviewer enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the depth of ideas presented in the novel. They appreciate the layers of history and philosophy woven into the story.

Andrew Blackman particularly enjoys the characters and the way the novel brings its settings to life. He appreciates the depth of ideas and the layers of history and philosophy that enrich the narrative. The reviewer finds the book to be a rewarding read that offers much to think about. They highlight the novel's ability to blend different elements seamlessly, making it a compelling and thought-provoking experience.

Quick quotes

    Overall I greatly enjoyed the characters, the evocation of place and time, and layers upon layers of ideas, philosophies, history and themes.

    The novel brings its settings to life in a way that is both vivid and immersive.

    The Flamethrowers offers a rewarding reading experience that is both compelling and thought-provoking.

Los Angeles Review of Books · 2013-07-13
engaging 4.50

The novel is described as scintillating and alive, filled with stories and anecdotes that enrich the narrative. The reviewer highlights the book's energetic and engaging style.

The reviewer describes the novel as vibrant and full of life, noting its ability to weave together multiple stories and anecdotes seamlessly. They appreciate the book's energetic style and the way it keeps the reader engaged throughout. The reviewer also points out the novel's self-awareness, which adds depth to the storytelling. Overall, they find the book to be a captivating read that stands out for its unique approach to narrative.

Quick quotes

    Rachel Kushner's second novel, 'The Flamethrowers,' is scintillatingly alive, and also alive to artifice.

    It ripples with stories, anecdotes, set-piece scenes, and moments of pure exhilaration.

    The novel's self-awareness adds depth to the storytelling, making it a captivating read.

The Guardian · 2013-06-05
vivid 4.00

The novel is praised for its vivid settings and precise tone, though the plot is seen as secondary. The reviewer appreciates the depth and authenticity of the environments described.

The reviewer is particularly impressed by the novel's ability to transport readers through its richly detailed and authentic settings. They note that while the plot may not be the strongest element, the book's strength lies in its evocative descriptions and the way it captures the essence of different places and times. The reviewer finds the novel to be a compelling exploration of its themes, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    The plot is merely the delivery system for setting after setting so precisely informed and tone-perfect you won't believe it.

    Good as it is, the plot is secondary to the vividly rendered environments.

    The novel's strength lies in its ability to transport readers through its richly detailed and authentic settings.

Appears in Lists