The writer and journalist Omar El Akkad discusses his first book, the novel American War (2017), with Joseph Planta.

American War by Omar El Akkad (McClelland & Stewart, 2017). Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: American War

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver, at TheCommentary.ca.

Omar El Akkad joins me now. He has just published his first novel, American War. It has been one of the more anticipated books of the year, and it is a book that’s been described as ambitious, prescient even prophetic. The backdrop of the book is the second American Civil War in the year 2074. I’ll get Omar to tell us about Sarat Chestnut, about her life, what she encounters from the age of six beyond, the lot of her family, and the effects of war on her and the people around her. Omar El Akkad is an award-winning journalist, who in his years at the Globe and Mail reported from Afghanistan, Guantanamo Bay, Egypt during the Arab Spring, as well as Ferguson, Missouri. He is the recipient of a National Newspaper Award, among many other citations and prizes. He lives in Portland, Oregon now, but joined me earlier this week from here in Vancouver. The Twitter handle is @omarelakkad. The books is published McClelland & Stewart. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Omar El Akkad; Mr. El Akkad, good morning.

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