Rachel Kushner's 'The Flamethrowers' Examines Art, Politics and 1970s Radicalism

Rachel Kushner's 2013 book, 'The Flamethrowers,' centers on Reno, a young artist hailing from Nevada. She relocates to New York and becomes entangled with Sandro, an Italian Minimalist artist from the affluent Valera family, whose wealth is derived from motorcycle production associated with Milan's Futurists and fascists. Set against the backdrop of Italy in 1976-1977, the story delves into radical groups such as the Red Brigades and Autonomia, highlighting protests against Valera's factories. As Reno navigates class struggles, she contemplates art's influence on political activism. The narrative blends fictional and actual artistic references, exploring the dynamics of art and politics. While Sandro remains in Italy, Reno pursues her own artistic path. Released in Summer 2013, it provides a feminist lens on gender relations and social disparities.