Introduction
American War Summary And Themes By Omar El Akkad Omar El Akkad’s American War is a dystopian novel that takes place in a future America ravaged by climate change, political division, and a second civil war. Published in 2017, the novel imagines a fractured nation dealing with the consequences of environmental collapse, devastating civil unrest, and a world increasingly hostile to its citizens. Set in the late 21st century, American War explores the idea of a country divided not just by geography but by its politics, ideologies, and environmental degradation. It follows the life of Sarat Chestnut, a young girl growing up in a broken America, and paints a grim portrait of survival, revenge, and the horrors of war.
El Akkad’s novel weaves together themes of war, family, political polarization, and environmental degradation. Through Sarat’s journey, readers are forced to confront uncomfortable questions about what makes a person capable of violence, what motivates people to fight for survival, and how history is shaped by those who bear witness to it.
The novel is often praised for its haunting and thought-provoking narrative, its nuanced portrayal of human survival under extreme conditions, and its capacity to engage with issues of climate change, geopolitics, and the ethics of warfare. American War also addresses broader themes of resilience, hope, and the cyclical nature of violence, offering a stark view of a future that could arise from today’s political and environmental crises.
Summary
1. Setting and World-Building
American War is set in a future version of the United States, specifically during the late 21st century. The country is no longer united but is divided into two factions: the North, which controls the federal government, and the South, which is fighting for independence. This second American Civil War is waged over issues of government control, secession, and the increasingly dire consequences of climate change. Environmental disasters, such as rising sea levels, have reshaped much of the nation, with large swaths of the South submerged and the country dealing with scarcity, disease, and extreme weather.
The novel is set in a world where technology has regressed significantly. Many major cities have been abandoned or destroyed, and the population is left to fight for resources in a world where the landscape has been drastically altered by climate change. The novel explores how these disasters have led to widespread civil unrest and eventually a full-scale war.
Read more
2. The Life of Sarat Chestnut
At the heart of American War is Sarat Chestnut, a young girl born in the South in the wake of the country’s division. The novel follows Sarat’s journey from childhood to adulthood, tracing her personal evolution against the backdrop of a society falling apart. Sarat’s life is shaped by loss, war, and an ever-deepening sense of betrayal. The novel begins when Sarat is just a child, and it details her experiences growing up in Louisiana during the early days of the second civil war.
As the war progresses, Sarat’s life is irrevocably altered by the death of her family and her eventual indoctrination into the world of violence and resistance. Her personal transformation is central to the novel’s exploration of the consequences of war and the price of survival. Over time, Sarat evolves from a hopeful child into a hardened and vengeful adult, consumed by grief and revenge. Her path is marked by the decisions she makes in response to the war, the loss of her family, and the moral ambiguities of living in a world consumed by conflict.
3. The Politics of War
The novel takes a critical look at the politics of war, particularly focusing on the divisions between the North and the South. The South, where Sarat lives, is ravaged by the consequences of war and climate change, with much of its land uninhabitable due to flooding and the destruction of infrastructure. The North, in contrast, is seen as the enemy, represented by a centralized federal government that exerts control over the remnants of the United States.
As Sarat grows older, she becomes a symbol of resistance to the Northern government. She joins a group of rebels who fight against the North, seeing them as the aggressors who have occupied her homeland. The novel explores the themes of patriotism, resistance, and the notion of fighting for what is “right,” even when that means engaging in violence. Sarat’s personal experiences with betrayal, loyalty, and survival influence her decision to become part of the conflict, and her journey provides a lens through which readers can reflect on the broader implications of war, especially in a divided country.
4. The Impact of War on Sarat
Sarat’s transformation is shaped by the brutalities of war. After her family is killed, she becomes consumed by a thirst for revenge and justice, which slowly turns into a thirst for power. Her relationships with the other characters, including the people who help or manipulate her, are defined by a deep sense of loss and a desire for retribution.
One of the central emotional conflicts in the novel is Sarat’s internal struggle between her humanity and the harsh realities of the world she inhabits. Over the course of the book, she loses touch with her childhood innocence and becomes a symbol of the war itself—a complex and tragic figure driven by vengeance, guilt, and the fear of losing her place in the world.
5. The Personal Cost of War
American War also places a significant emphasis on the personal cost of war. As Sarat is drawn deeper into the conflict, she is faced with tough moral choices that reflect the broader consequences of violence and resistance. The novel asks questions about what it takes to survive in a world where survival often means sacrificing one’s values and beliefs.
The novel also explores how the effects of war are long-lasting and affect not just the immediate participants but also future generations. The scars of war are deeply ingrained in the characters, particularly Sarat, whose legacy is tied to the violence she both witnessed and participated in. American War explores the devastating consequences of war on the human psyche and questions whether redemption is possible in a world so torn apart by violence.
Themes
1. Climate Change and Environmental Collapse
A major theme in American War is the environmental collapse caused by climate change. The novel is set in a world where rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and scarcity of resources have reshaped the geography and economy of the United States. The Southern states, in particular, have been devastated by flooding, and the country is dealing with the aftermath of decades of environmental degradation.
Through this bleak depiction of the future, El Akkad underscores the urgent need to address climate change in the present day. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of environmental neglect and the ways in which such crises can spark political instability, conflict, and war.
Read more
2. War, Violence, and Moral Ambiguity
Another central theme of American War is the exploration of war and violence. The novel delves into the moral ambiguities of war, especially as it relates to survival and resistance. The characters are often forced to make difficult choices in the face of overwhelming odds. Sarat’s transformation from a hopeful child to a hardened soldier highlights the personal toll that war takes on individuals and the ethical challenges that arise in times of extreme conflict.
The novel also questions the idea of “justified” violence and explores how the cycle of revenge can perpetuate even more violence. Sarat’s story is a reflection on the nature of conflict and the dehumanizing effects of prolonged violence.
3. Identity and Loss
American War explores the theme of identity through Sarat’s journey. The loss of her family, her home, and her sense of belonging leads to a crisis of identity. Sarat grapples with who she is in a world that is constantly changing and tearing itself apart. The novel suggests that identity is shaped by personal experience, historical events, and social context—and that when these forces are disrupted by violence and war, the consequences can be profound.
In addition to Sarat’s personal journey, the novel also examines how collective identity is shaped by war and environmental collapse. The United States, once a unified nation, is torn apart by ideological and political differences, and the characters must come to terms with the new realities of a divided country.
4. The Price of Survival
The theme of survival is central to the novel, and American War examines the lengths to which individuals will go to survive in an increasingly hostile world. Sarat’s evolution from a young girl to a warrior is driven by the instinct to survive, but this instinct comes at a cost. The novel explores the psychological, emotional, and physical toll of survival, particularly in a world where resources are scarce, and the future is uncertain.
Survival is not just about staying alive—it’s about maintaining one’s humanity in a world that has lost its moral compass. Sarat’s struggle to retain her humanity while being pushed to commit increasingly violent acts is a key theme in the novel.
5. The Cyclical Nature of History
American War also reflects on the cyclical nature of history. The novel suggests that the conflicts and divisions of the past are not easily forgotten and that the scars of war are passed down through generations. Sarat’s personal story mirrors the larger conflict in the United States, and the novel emphasizes how violence and division can become self-perpetuating.
The cyclical nature of history is also explored through the political struggles that shape the novel’s world. The country’s division into North and South is a direct reflection of the historical divisions that have always been present in American society. The novel suggests that without addressing the underlying causes of conflict, history will continue to repeat itself.
Read more
Conclusion
Omar El Akkad’s American War is a powerful and haunting exploration of the consequences of war, climate change, and political division. Through the life of Sarat Chestnut, the novel asks profound questions about survival, morality, and identity in a fractured world.
Its vivid world-building and timely themes make it a thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of environmental degradation and the destructive nature of civil conflict. American War is a poignant and compelling read, urging readers to reflect on the potential futures we may face if we continue down a path of division and neglect.
Read more
(FAQs)
1. What is American War about?
American War is a dystopian novel set in a future America devastated by climate change and torn apart by a second civil war. The novel follows Sarat Chestnut, a young girl who becomes entangled in the violence and political upheaval that grips the country, exploring themes of war, survival, identity, and the impact of environmental collapse.
2. Who is the protagonist of American War?
The protagonist of American War is Sarat Chestnut, a girl who grows up in the South during a devastating second civil war. Her personal journey, from childhood to adulthood, is at the heart of the novel.
3. What are the main themes of American War?
The main themes of American War include climate change, the morality of war, survival, identity, loss, and the cyclical nature of history. The novel explores how war, violence, and environmental collapse shape individuals and societies.
4. How does American War address climate change?
American War imagines a future where climate change has caused widespread environmental destruction. Rising sea levels, extreme weather, and resource scarcity have torn apart the United States, with the South particularly devastated by flooding. The novel highlights the potential consequences of unchecked climate change.
5. What is the significance of Sarat’s transformation?
Sarat’s transformation from a hopeful child to a hardened soldier symbolizes the devastating effects of war and violence. Her journey reflects the moral ambiguity of survival in a world ravaged by conflict and questions the cost of revenge, power, and survival.
Read more
