A Choice of Enemies
Author | Mordecai Richler |
---|---|
Language | English |
Publisher | André Deutsch |
Publication date | 1957 |
Publication place | Canada |
Media type | |
Pages | 272 pages |
Preceded by | Son of a Smaller Hero |
Followed by | The 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
[edit]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
[edit]Richler uses biting wit, pointed irony and elements of surrealism to construct a parable reflecting the moral doubt and decay of modern society.