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THINE ENEMY
Thine Enemy is a poignant and thought-provoking novel by Norah Lofts that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of forgiveness. Set in the aftermath of World War II, the story follows Rachel Minchin, a young woman who harbors bitterness and resentment towards the German prisoners of war working on her family's farm. However, when Rachel forms an unexpected connection with one of the prisoners, Karl Von Richter, she is forced to confront her prejudices and reconsider her feelings towards her former enemies. As Rachel and Karl navigate the challenges of post-war England, they grapple with themes of guilt, redemption, and the transformative nature of compassion. With its richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, Thine Enemy offers readers a moving exploration of the healing power of empathy and understanding.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2024
7 people want to read
About the author
Philip Gibbs
246 books11 followersSir Philip Armand Hamilton Gibbs was an English journalist and novelist who served as one of five official British reporters during the First World War. Two of his siblings were also writers, A. Hamilton Gibbs and Cosmo Hamilton.
The son of a civil servant, Gibbs was born in London and received a home education and determined at an early age to develop a career as a writer. His debut article was published in 1894 in the Daily Chronicle; five years later he published the first of many books, Founders of the Empire.
He started work at the publishing house at Cassell; then editor of Tillotson's literary syndicate; was literary editor for Daily Mail in 1902; moved to Daily Express, and then to Daily Chronicle in 1908; also worked with Daily Graphic; war correspondent during 1914-18 war; KBE, 1920; chevalier of the Legion of Honour; toured United States lecturing in 1919; resigned from Daily Chronicle in 1920.
The son of a civil servant, Gibbs was born in London and received a home education and determined at an early age to develop a career as a writer. His debut article was published in 1894 in the Daily Chronicle; five years later he published the first of many books, Founders of the Empire.
He started work at the publishing house at Cassell; then editor of Tillotson's literary syndicate; was literary editor for Daily Mail in 1902; moved to Daily Express, and then to Daily Chronicle in 1908; also worked with Daily Graphic; war correspondent during 1914-18 war; KBE, 1920; chevalier of the Legion of Honour; toured United States lecturing in 1919; resigned from Daily Chronicle in 1920.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 19, 2021
4.5 stars
It's WW2. Franz Reber used to be an artist. Now he is a German sergeant who finds his load heavy. Torn between loyalty to the Germany he loves, the mountains, villages, and people-- and horror knowing that he is doing the bidding of Hitler. When faced with full knowledge of the camps and other atrocities, Franz is torn between a strong desire to desert his post on principle, and the desire to help the starving masses escaping the Russian forces and families living in the rubble of bombed out Germany, many who have no idea of Hitler's atrocities and cannot understand why the British and American troops are so cold to them.
It's also a personal story of finding oneself again after the world you know is gone, left behind in the pages of history. Does one become eternally bitter? The everlasting cynic? Or see the sun behind the clouds and hope for a better tomorrow?
Philip Gibbs was a war correspondent through the two world wars and as such had a pretty good perception of life on both sides. Never one to lump the common people from even "enemy" nations in with their despotic leaders and imperfect military commanders, yet being honest in portraying common attitudes and thoughts of the day from both sides.
It's what I call a "starving potato" book. The war and it's privations are not sugar coated. People starve. People lose hope. People die. Philip Gibbs doesn't spare his favorite characters. Because of this his novels almost feel like memoirs rather than fiction. While you cant expect a happily ever after in every Gibbs book you can at least feel closure and a measure of peace.
It's WW2. Franz Reber used to be an artist. Now he is a German sergeant who finds his load heavy. Torn between loyalty to the Germany he loves, the mountains, villages, and people-- and horror knowing that he is doing the bidding of Hitler. When faced with full knowledge of the camps and other atrocities, Franz is torn between a strong desire to desert his post on principle, and the desire to help the starving masses escaping the Russian forces and families living in the rubble of bombed out Germany, many who have no idea of Hitler's atrocities and cannot understand why the British and American troops are so cold to them.
It's also a personal story of finding oneself again after the world you know is gone, left behind in the pages of history. Does one become eternally bitter? The everlasting cynic? Or see the sun behind the clouds and hope for a better tomorrow?
Philip Gibbs was a war correspondent through the two world wars and as such had a pretty good perception of life on both sides. Never one to lump the common people from even "enemy" nations in with their despotic leaders and imperfect military commanders, yet being honest in portraying common attitudes and thoughts of the day from both sides.
It's what I call a "starving potato" book. The war and it's privations are not sugar coated. People starve. People lose hope. People die. Philip Gibbs doesn't spare his favorite characters. Because of this his novels almost feel like memoirs rather than fiction. While you cant expect a happily ever after in every Gibbs book you can at least feel closure and a measure of peace.
Displaying 1 of 1 review