The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner
A young woman travelling through the 1970s, the New York art scene, and the post-hippie radicals in New York and Italy is beautifully and intricately portrayed by ushner. Despite lacking a clear plot, the book explores a wide range of themes, including love, freedom, hope, fear, sex, art, speed, friendship, revolution, and individuals attempting to figure out who they are or who they want to be. She has a talent for describing the minute details of the sounds that make her scenarios come to life. the intimate details that give her characters life, and the witty language that will have you sitting right next to them, listening in on their chats.
The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner
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The primary heroine commonly referred to as Reno after her hometown, is never even given a name. Although Kushner never gives her a name, this does not mean that the reader shouldn’t expect to get to know her as most of the book takes place inside her thoughts and Kushner employs Reno’s powers of observation to expertly paint her images. The world as seen through Reno’s eyes is both interesting and farcical; while others pretend to be someone they aren’t, Reno just strives to remain innocent.
As she does in every stage of her life, Reno drifts to New York. She has pushed the limits of motorcycle riding and competitive skiing in her brief life because she loves speed. On the Bonneville Salt Flats, she even holds the record for the fastest automobile. However, she doesn’t seem to have the focus or speed necessary for racing in her regular activities. She has no friends in New York City and a few ideas on how to express her artistic vision, but it’s still unclear what that vision is.
She unintentionally joins a group of prominent painters that are currently at the forefront of the art world. Sandro Valera, her lover, is the son of an incredibly wealthy Italian family whose signature product—the motorcycles Reno adores—is tires and rubber. Her best friend is a waitress in a live performance piece, but she currently appears to be trapped in that existence. Ronnie, Sandro’s best friend, also hails from a less fortunate upbringing than Reno. She forms a peculiar trio with Sandro and Ronnie.
Against the backdrop, revolt is growing globally and in the realm of art. Both employees and students are growing. Reno gets an eye-opening glimpse into Sandro’s real life when they travel to Italy to see his family. She briefly strays into the radical student life in Italy before returning to New York.
