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A Choice of Enemies

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A Choice of Enemies
First edition
AuthorMordecai Richler
LanguageEnglish
PublisherAndré Deutsch
Publication date
1957
Publication placeCanada
Media typePrint
Pages272 pages
Preceded bySon of a Smaller Hero 
Followed byThe Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz 

A Choice of Enemies is the third novel by Canadian author Mordecai Richler. It was first published in 1957 by André Deutsch.

Plot and setting

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The novel is set in London in the 1950s. A group of dissident writers and filmmakers from Canada and the United States settle in England to escape the McCarthy era witch hunt. Problems ensue after Norman Price, a former academic turned pulp writer, befriends a mysterious German refugee and is ostracized by the others. Their rigid idealism devolves into tyranny and Norman decides that "all alliances are discredited." He faces a personal dilemma where his choice of enemies is not clear.

Theme

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Richler uses biting wit, pointed irony and elements of surrealism to construct a parable reflecting the moral doubt and decay of modern society.