DEAR ENEMY

Jack Cavanaugh

Bethany House

ISBN: 0-7642-2310-0

August 2005

Inspirational/Historical

This novel begins in a cemetery on Annie Rawlings’ wedding day to her second husband, Stan, a surgeon. She is having doubts about this marriage and begins to tell the story of her time as a German prisoner to her friend, Celia. Celia is the younger sister of her best friend, Mouse. Both Mouse and Celia have been military nurses serving in Europe.

In Germany during World War II, Annie has married her first husband, long time love Keith Mitchell. When their honeymoon is cancelled and in a complicated manner, they end up on a behind the scenes mission, their lives take a complete turn. Alone in Belgium’s Ardennes Forest, Annie is left with a dead husband and the German soldier who has killed him. Her captor is Karl Hausmann, a young German with a love of music.

This novel begins by describing the horrors of war that Annie experiences in the operating room. Her hate and hostility towards Germans is the result of treating numerous soldiers with life-threatening wounds. This novel details her change in attitude as she becomes exposed to other Germans and specifically, to Karl. While she ultimately returns from captivity, Karl has offered a life-changing experience. 

This is a thought-provoking and interesting book. It forces the reader to think about the nature of prejudice, especially during times of conflict. At its center is the unexpected love story between Annie and Karl. Readers can anticipate a surprise ending in this well-written novel about a painful time in America’s history.

 

Reviewed by Jeri Neal

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