Book review by Corey
American War
American War is set in a future United States torn apart by a second civil war. The story follows Sarat Chestnut from childhood into adulthood as violence, displacement, and loss slowly shape the person she becomes. It is less about battlefield action and more about what war does to ordinary people over time.
The book is bleak, but it is also very thoughtful about revenge, radicalization, loyalty, and the way trauma can be passed from one generation to the next. Sarat is a difficult character at times, but that is part of what makes the story work so well.
The Goods
- Strong sense of place
- Sarat is a memorable character
- Interesting future history
- Powerful themes about revenge and radicalization
- Feels disturbingly believable
The Bads
- Very bleak
- Can be slow in places
- Not much relief from the heavier material
- Some side characters feel underdeveloped
- The political setup may feel heavy to some readers
My Recommendation
This is a great choice for readers who like dystopian fiction that feels grounded and political without turning into a lecture. The story is dark and sometimes uncomfortable, but Sarat’s journey gives it a lot of emotional weight. If you like books about war, trauma, and how people are shaped by the world around them, this one is definitely worth the time.