Rachel Kushner’s The Flamethrowers is praised for its vivid prose and richly textured 70s setting, exploring themes of art, politics, and identity. Characters are compelling, though some critics find the plot meandering. The novel's ambitious narrative intertwines personal and historical events, delivering an intellectually stimulating, if occasionally uneven, read.

Readers who would enjoy Rachel Kushner's The Flamethrowers are typically intrigued by avant-garde art, radical politics, and the gritty underbelly of the 1970s New York scene. Fans of novels like Don DeLillo's White Noise or Patti Smith's Just Kids will appreciate its vibrant prose and intellectual depth.

The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner follows Reno, a young artist who moves to New York City in the 1970s and becomes entangled with the wealthy, creative Sandro and his friend Ronnie. Her journey takes her from the art world of New York to the Italian countryside where she navigates complex relationships, her artistic ambitions, and political upheaval, embedding herself in labor rights movements that challenge the status quo. The novel includes instances of violence and exploitation.

Mysterious / Gritty / Adventurous / Contemplative / Emotional

- The Flamethrowers was a finalist for the 2013 National Book Award, highlighting its critical acclaim and the striking narrative style of Rachel Kushner.
- Rachel Kushner spent two years researching art, motorcycle racing, and the political climate of the late 1960s and 1970s in Italy and New York City to create an authentic backdrop for The Flamethrowers.
- The novel's protagonist, Reno, mirrors Kushner’s own experiences, as the author is also a passionate motorcyclist.

**Reno**  
The protagonist and narrator, Reno is a young woman with a keen sense of adventure and an artistic eye for detail, who is on a journey to discover herself in the world.

**Valera**  
A powerful and ambitious figure whose actions in the past have a lasting effect on his family and society, Valera is deeply involved in motorcycle culture and unafraid to pursue his desires at any cost.

**Sandro Valera**  
Valera's second son, a trust fund artist who rejects family business in favor of an individualistic lifestyle, dealing with personal challenges and his relationship with Reno.

**Ronnie Fontaine**  
Sandro's best friend and the object of Reno's desire, known for his seductive yet abusive demeanor, his interactions with Reno illustrate the complexities of desire and self-awareness.

Rachel Kushner

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Flamethrowers and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Flamethrowers Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

The Flamethrowers Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-8

The Flamethrowers Chapters 4-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-14

The Flamethrowers Chapters 9-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-20

The Flamethrowers Chapters 15-20 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Flamethrowers Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Flamethrowers Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Flamethrowers Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Flamethrowers Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Flamethrowers Essay Topics

The Flamethrowers

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Flamethrowers?

Reading Age

Book Details