Editorial Content for The Enemy: Detroit, 1954
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
Twelve-year-old Marjorie Campbell lives in Detroit, Michigan. The year is 1954, a time of the Cold War with Russia. America is on edge with the threat of the "Red Scare" perpetrated by Senator McCarthy. During this time period, Americans became suspicious of many people, including immigrants from Europe --- enemies are everywhere.
Being a tween is always difficult, but it's even more so during this time period. Marjorie has to cope with her dad's PTSD (from serving in the war), keeping her mother's stash of books that have been banned from the library a secret, and trying to get along with Frank, a teenager who lives with the family because he has no where else to go.
"Because this book covers so many topics, and because it is so interesting and so well-written, it would make a great addition to the classroom as background material for this historical time period."
And if that weren't enough, now there is a new student in Marjorie's class. Her name is Olga. As luck would have it, Marjorie is forced to share a desk with Olga. Olga speaks broken English with a strange accent. Is she German? Is she a Nazi? She says she came from Canada, and she speaks fluent French, but it's obvious she is not of Canadian descent.
Marjorie is best friends with Bernadette, who lives next door. They have been best friends since they were little. Marjorie is a kind person, and wants to help Olga, but she knows that Bernadette does not approve of her being friends with Olga. How can Marjorie do the right thing for Olga without offending Bernadette?
The storyline covers so many issues: The Cold War, the Red Scare, McCarthyism, banning "subversive" books, trust, friendship, loyalty, doing the right thing, coming of age, etc. Author Sara Holbrook juggles all of these issues while maintaining an interesting and well-written narrative.
This historical fictional account is based partly on the author's life. She was born in 1949 in the northern suburbs of Detroit, and met many people who served as models for characters in the book. Marjorie's dad is loosely based on her own father who served in the war and suffered from PTSD. Marjorie's mom is also loosely based on her own mother, a woman who was college-education and who stood up for what she believed in.
Because this book covers so many topics, and because it is so interesting and so well-written, it would make a great addition to the classroom as background material for this historical time period.
Teaser
Set in 1954, this compelling historical novel tells the story of a young girl’s struggles and triumphs in the aftermath of World War II. In Detroit, Michigan, twelve-year-old Marjorie Campbell struggles with the ups and downs of family life, dealing with her veteran father’s unpredictable outbursts, keeping her mother’s stash of banned library books a secret and getting along with her new older “brother." When a new girl from Germany transfers to Marjorie’s class, Marjorie finds herself torn between befriending Inga and pleasing her best friend, Bernadette. In all this turmoil, Marjorie tries to find her own voice and figure out what is right and who the real enemies actually are.
Promo
Set in 1954, this compelling historical novel tells the story of a young girl’s struggles and triumphs in the aftermath of World War II. In Detroit, Michigan, twelve-year-old Marjorie Campbell struggles with the ups and downs of family life, dealing with her veteran father’s unpredictable outbursts, keeping her mother’s stash of banned library books a secret and getting along with her new older “brother." When a new girl from Germany transfers to Marjorie’s class, Marjorie finds herself torn between befriending Inga and pleasing her best friend, Bernadette. In all this turmoil, Marjorie tries to find her own voice and figure out what is right and who the real enemies actually are.
About the Book
Set in 1954, this compelling historical novel tells the story of a young girl’s struggles and triumphs in the aftermath of World War II. The war is over, but the threat of communism and the Cold War loom over the United States. In Detroit, Michigan, twelve-year-old Marjorie Campbell struggles with the ups and downs of family life, dealing with her veteran father’s unpredictable outbursts, keeping her mother’s stash of banned library books a secret and getting along with her new older “brother,” the teenager her family took in after his veteran father’s death. When a new girl from Germany transfers to Marjorie’s class, Marjorie finds herself torn between befriending Inga and pleasing her best friend, Bernadette, by writing in a slam book that spreads rumors about Inga. Marjorie seems to be confronting enemies everywhere --- at school, at the library, in her neighborhood and even in the news. In all this turmoil, Marjorie tries to find her own voice and figure out what is right and who the real enemies actually are. Includes an author’s note and bibliography.
