Omar El Akkad on writing American War

We asked Omar El Akkad some questions ahead of the publication of his debut novel American War.

Set in a United States that is in the grip of a second Civil War over the banning of fossil fuels, American War is the dystopian novel you need to read next if you've been gripped by books like Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale and Naomi Alderman's The Power. In this series of videos, Omar El Akkad shares how he came to write the book and the influences behind his debut novel, which has been shortlisted for the 2018 James Tait Black Prize. 

Discover our edit of the best dystopian books of all time.  

Omar El Akkad on . . .  the inspiration for American War

Omar El Akkad on . . . the writers who influence him

Omar El Akkad on . . .  Sarat Chestnut

Omar El Akkad on . . .  changing attitudes to the news 

To hear more from Omar, watch the latest episode of #Bookbreak where Jean asks: 'Why can't we get enough of dystopian fiction?'

American War

by Omar El Akkad

In his debut novel, Omar El Akkad asks one pivotal question: what would happen if America turned it's own policies for war on itself?


American War is the dystopian novel you need to read next, and is published in paperback, ebook and audiobook now.