Hello, everyone. Apologies for the weird title, I’m looking for something a tad bit specific, but sort of groping in the dark here. The recent widespread university protests regarding the genocide in Gaza have me remembering many songs I’ve listened to and books I’ve read regarding the aftermath of the 60’s on the American zeitgeist. I’m particularly interested in fiction involving university students, especially leftists protesters or activists, perhaps from an after-the-fact vantage point, especially if there are themes involving wistfulness, loss, and disillusion. Perhaps a sense that, as a generation, the American people experienced something beautiful, a once-in-a-lifetimes sense that real change was not just possible but inevitable, only to see everything turn to dust in their hands. Ideally a heavy focus on mood and thematic elements, and the more literary the better.
Works that share some aspect of what I’m looking for: Stephen King’s *Hearts in Atlantis* (specifically Carol’s story), Hunter S. Thomson’s *Fear and Loathing in Los Vegas* (especially “The Wave Speech”), perhaps the mood and themes of Kazuo Ishiguro’s *Remains of the Day*, the song “American Pie” by Don McLean.
Thank you to any and all that respond to this, I appreciate any help in this endeavor.
by icarusrising9