A Choice of Enemies

A Choice of Enemies follows Norman Price, a Canadian writer who joins a community of expatriate artists and intellectuals in 1950s London. The group has fled McCarthyism in North America to pursue their creative work in England. Norman breaks from his circle of fellow dissidents after establishing a friendship with a German refugee, leading to conflicts and mounting tensions within the group. The story examines how ideological convictions can transform into their own form of oppression. The novel tracks the dissolution of political certainties and moral absolutes as Norman grapples with questions of loyalty, truth, and integrity. His experience raises questions about the nature of exile and the price of belonging. This third novel from Mordecai Richler presents a stark meditation on power dynamics and group psychology, exploring how communities built on shared principles can replicate the very systems they sought to escape.

Reviews indicate this is one of Richler's less popular novels. Multiple readers found the characters unsympathetic and the story meandering. Positive reviews noted: - Sharp observations about academic politics - Dark humor throughout - Strong portrayal of late 1960s Montreal culture Common criticisms: - Dated references that don't resonate with modern readers - Main character Noah comes across as unlikeable and self-absorbed - Plot lacks direction and resolution - Too much focus on Noah's past relationships Review stats: Goodreads: 3.3/5 (67 ratings) Amazon: 3.0/5 (4 ratings) One Goodreads reviewer wrote: "The academic satire works, but everything else feels pointless." Another noted: "Richler's wit shines through but the story itself doesn't hold together." Multiple readers advised starting with Richler's other novels like St. Urbain's Horseman or The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz instead of this one.

The Manticore by Robertson Davies Following a Jungian analyst in Switzerland, this novel examines psychological exile and the politics of belonging through the lens of a Canadian abroad searching for truth.

A Friend of Kafka by Isaac Bashevis Singer Set in New York's immigrant Jewish literary circles, this collection captures the complex dynamics of expatriate intellectuals navigating identity and ideology.

The Millionth Circle by Hugh MacLennan A Canadian writer in post-war Paris confronts shifting political loyalties and moral compromises within a circle of expatriate artists.

The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood Chronicles an English writer's experiences among fellow expatriates in pre-war Berlin, depicting the fracturing of artistic communities under political pressure.

Transit by Anna Seghers Follows political refugees trapped in Marseilles during WWII, exploring the psychological impact of exile and the complexities of group allegiances.

🔹 "A Choice of Enemies" was published in 1957, marking Mordecai Richler's third novel and his first work written entirely during his time living in London. 🔹 The novel's setting reflects Richler's own experience as an expatriate in London during the 1950s, where he lived among a community of artists and writers who had fled McCarthyism. 🔹 The character Norman Price's struggle with pulp fiction writing mirrors Richler's early career, when he wrote detective stories under various pseudonyms to make ends meet. 🔹 The book captures a crucial moment in Cold War history when many left-wing intellectuals were forced to reconsider their political allegiances following revelations about Stalinist atrocities. 🔹 Despite being one of Richler's earlier works, the novel already showcases his trademark satirical style that would later earn him recognition as one of Canada's most important literary figures.