"Eat the Document" is a novel written by Dana Spiotta. It was first published in 2006. The story is set in the late 1960s and early 1970s and follows the lives of two characters, Mary Whittaker and Bobby DeSoto.
Mary Whittaker is a young woman involved in anti-war activism during the Vietnam War era. She becomes involved with a group called the "Weather Underground," which is a fictionalized representation of a real-life radical left organization. After being implicated in a bombing that resulted in the death of a police officer, Mary goes into hiding, changes her identity, and tries to start a new life.
Bobby DeSoto is a Vietnam War veteran who becomes disillusioned with the war and the government's actions. He also becomes associated with the "Weather Underground" and participates in their activities. However, he eventually decides to leave the group and live a more conventional life.
The narrative of "Eat the Document" alternates between the past and the present, exploring the experiences of Mary and Bobby during the height of their activism and their attempts to reconcile with their past in the present day. The novel delves into themes of identity, idealism, and the lasting impact of political activism.
Dana Spiotta's "Eat the Document" is known for its complex characters and its exploration of the consequences of radicalism. It offers a thought-provoking examination of the personal and political choices made by individuals during a tumultuous period in American history.
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