The Enemy, Detroit, 1954

Reviewed by: Kris Zuidema - retired school librarian, Standish, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2018

Review

The main character in this well written historical novel is Marjorie. She is 12 years old and facing issues that deal with friendship, bullies, and immigration. Marjorie is aware of a nuclear threat and knows someone who is suffering from PTSD. There are immigrants that are new to her neighborhood that are not welcomed readily. Marjorie's father is a WW2 veteran working at an automobile plant. Her mother, a college educated woman, does what she believes is right, but does so in secret. Marjorie knows that she must also stand up for what is right. Although there are many similarities to current issues that readers can relate to, there is solid information about the Cold War and McCarthyism. The characters and plot are well developed. The author's note explains the author's experience growing up in Detroit during this era and includes black and white photos of her family. There is an extensive bibliography. Highly recommended.

Overall Book Score: very good