Review of An Enemy Like Me

[Charles Ashinze]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "An Enemy Like Me" by Teri M Brown.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

An Enemy Like Me recounts the story of William, a second-generation American who visits his father's grave on Veterans Day. As he lays flowers, William, who is no longer young, reflects on his father's life as a German in America, his decision to join the war effort, and their complicated relationship over the years.

William's parents, Jacob and Bonnie, were German immigrants who raised him in a loving and joyful environment. However, their lives were forever changed when Hitler declared war and the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Jacob enlisted in the military, leaving his wife and 4-year-old son to show his allegiance to America, his birthplace. Over the years, Jacob questioned whether he had made the right decision to leave his family and serve his new country.

The story delves into the background of Jacob and Bonnie, exploring how they met, fell in love, and lived through the war. In a poignant moment, William weeps at his father's graveside as he reminisces about their strained relationship after Jacob returned from the war and how he struggled to carve out his identity apart from his father's shadow. William reflects on his mother's unwavering love for his father and questions why he couldn't emulate her. Finally, William realizes that the war changed not just his mother and father but also him. They all fought against an enemy, but who or what was the true enemy?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As someone born into a military family, Teri M. Brown has crafted a story that feels incredibly authentic and demonstrates a deep knowledge of the system. The story is easy to follow, with short chapters that flow seamlessly between present and past perspectives. The issue of Jacob's cultural identity crisis, a common challenge faced by immigrants, was relatable and thought-provoking.

The author masterfully depicts the complex love-hate relationship between soldiers and war. As someone with friends in the army, I can relate to the emotions felt each time they go to a crisis center. The book also effectively portrays how war affects the family unit and the toll it takes on mental health. I've witnessed the mix of joy and struggle my friends faced when leaving for a posting, and I'm grateful not to be a direct family member in those moments. The book cover is captivating, and the editing and formatting are excellent.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and couldn't find anything to dislike. Although I noticed a minor error in one of the chapters where a character's name was incorrect, it did not significantly impact the story's flow, as readers can still identify who was taking action. Consequently, I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars rating.

I recommend this book to war veterans, military personnel, their families, and anyone interested in reading about war stories. An Enemy Like Me is a fantastic book, and I'm eager to read more of Teri M. Brown's work.

******
An Enemy Like Me
View: on Bookshelves

[Yasmine Zaki Muhieddine]

The title is intriguing, "An Enemy Like Me". I feel like there is a deeper meaning to it. It is a heartfelt story that shows how war in general has an effect on people's lives and relationships. War had a long lasting effect on two generations (William's and his parents'). It is normal that after Jacob's long absence, while he was fighting in the army, his relationship with his son William would not be the same. It is sad that they could not mend it. I enjoyed reading the review.