A novel of impressive scope and complexity, “American Woman is a thoughtful, meditative interrogation of…history and politics, of power and racism, and finally, of radicalism.” (San Francisco Chronicle), perfect for readers who love Emma Cline’s novel, The Girls.

On the lam for an act of violence against the American government, 25-year-old Jenny Shimada agrees to care for three younger fugitives whom a shadowy figure from her former radical life has spirited out of California. One of them, the kidnapped granddaughter of a wealthy newspaper magnate in San Francisco, has become a national celebrity for embracing her captors' ideology and joining their revolutionary cell.

"A brilliant read...astonishing in its honesty and confidence,” (Denver Post) American Woman explores the psychology of the young radicals, the intensity of their isolated existence, and the paranoia and fear that undermine their ideals.

Praise for American Woman

“Susan Choi…proves herself a natural—a writer whose intelligence and historical awareness effortlessly serve a breathtaking narrative ability. I couldn’t put American Woman down, and wanted when I finished it to do nothing but read it again.”—Joan Didion

“With uncompromising grace and mastery, Susan Choi renders the intimate moments which bring to life a tale of prodigious sweep.”—Jhumpa Lahiri

“Historical sweep and startling particular shrewdness… Choi has written a fascinating portrait of dangerous fragility.”— New York Times

“Few writers since Graham Greene have brought such tender, insightful, poetic, intelligent, darkly comic writing to the political thriller.”—Francisco Goldman

“A hypnotic, winding route through the scorched emotional landscape of 1974.”—Village Voice

“Enthralling.”—Publishers Weekly

“Intellectually provocative and vividly imagined.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Prepare to be held hostage by Susan Choi’s mesmerizing American Woman.”—Vanity Fair

“A brilliant read … astonishing in its honesty and confidence American Woman is a haunting book.”—Denver Post

“Brilliant… Choi’s insightful understanding, vivid description, lyrical use of language and deft dialogue make it an overall reading pleasure.”—Oregonian

“An artful, insightful meditation on the radical impulse ...a complex and layered work.”—Newsday