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The public burning

Pages
534
Published
1977
Language
English

Synopsis

This novel reimagines the three fateful days in 1953 that culminated with the execution of alleged atomic spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. Vice-President Richard Nixon narrates much of the story, which features an enormous cast of historical and fictional figures converging in Times Square. The book explores Cold War America's ruthless 'public burning' and implicates everyone present in the era's events.

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About the author

R
Robert Coover

American novelist, short story writer, and professor at Brown University. He is generally considered a writer of fabulation and metafiction.

Characters

Richard NixonProtagonist
Julius RosenbergSupporting
Ethel RosenbergSupporting
Betty CrockerCameo
Joe McCarthyCameo
All characters in The public burning