Overview
Inspired by true events, Naomi Ragen’s The Enemy Beside Meis a powerful, provocative novel about two people fighting for reconciliation over unforgivable crimes of the past.
Taking over from her father and grandfather as the head of the Survivor’s Campaign, an organization whose purpose is to bring Nazi war criminals to justice, Milia Gottstein has dedicated her life to making sure the voices of Holocaust victims will never be silenced. It is an overwhelming and heartbreaking mission that has often usurped her time and energy being a wife to busy surgeon Julius, and a mother and grandmother. But now, just as she is finally ready to pass on her work to others, making time for her personal life, an unexpected phone call suddenly explodes all she thought she knew about her present and her future.
In the midst of this personal turmoil, Milia receives an invitation to be the keynote speaker at a Holocaust conference in Lithuania from Dr. Darius Vidas, the free spirited, rebellious conference head. Despite suspecting his motives—she is, after all, viewed as a ‘public enemy’ in that country for her efforts to have them try war criminals and admit their historic responsibility for annihilating almost their entire Jewish community, including her own family—she nevertheless accepts, having developed a secret agenda of her own. But as Milia and Darius begin their mission, shared experiences profoundly alter their relationship, replacing antagonism and suspicion with a growing intimacy. However, this only ramps up the hostile forces facing them, threatening their families, livelihoods, and reputations, and forcing them into shocking choices that will betray all they have achieved and all that has grown between them.
Review
Milia has taken over as head of the Survivor’s Campaign. Her grandfather has lead this charge for years. Now it is her responsibility to fight for Justice for the Holocaust victims. Milia receives an invitation to a conference in Lithuania. She has fought for the right to inform the public about what truly happened in this country. Lithuanians have never been taught the truth and Milia is determined everyone learns the heart wrenching details…even if it puts her life in danger.
This was really close to a five star read for me. But, I really was not a fan of Milia. She gets furious in several places without…in my opinion…understanding the true nature of the situation. Nor does she want to learn about the situation. She just wants to get mad. Now, she has EXCELLENT reasons to be mad about many things…and this is why everyone should read this book.
This story portrays what really occurred to the Jews in Lithuania. I have never, ever read a story with Lithuania as a backdrop in WWII. To say I learned something is an understatement. This novel had me researching and studying what I had missed. I cannot believe this tale slipped by me. Such an under reported tragedy.
Need a different take on the Holocaust…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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