Set during the American Civil War in Missouri, 'Enemy Women' by Paulette Jiles follows the story of Adair Colley, a young woman whose family is torn apart by accusations of being Confederate spies. Adair is arrested and thrown into a women's prison in St. Louis, where she faces unimaginable hardships. The novel portrays a grim yet poignant tale of survival, love, and resilience amidst the brutalities of war. Through Adair's journey to reunite with her family and reclaim her home, Jiles paints a vivid picture of the chaos and struggles faced by civilians caught in the crossfire of the Civil War.

Jiles' writing style in 'Enemy Women' is described as crisp, evocative, and powerful. The novel seamlessly weaves historical facts and snippets of Civil War documents into a fictional narrative, grounding the story in a realistic setting. The lack of quotation marks for dialogue, though initially challenging for some readers, is seen as a unique stylistic choice that adds to the dreamy quality of the narrative, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Characters:

The characters are shaped by their historical context, with Adair exemplifying tenacity and strength as she faces numerous challenges.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is rich and evocative, often blending lyrical descriptions with historical context, though the absence of quotation marks for dialogue is unconventional.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows an 18-year-old girl navigating the dangers of the Civil War in Missouri, detailing her challenges after her father's arrest and the familial struggles amid the chaos.

Setting:

The setting provides a backdrop of conflict in Missouri, reflecting the harsh realities of the Civil War.

Pacing:

Pacing varies throughout, with a slower start that gains momentum, keeping readers invested toward the end.

Dear Wife and Children; I take my pen with trembling hand to inform you that I have to be shot between 2 & 4 o’clock this evening. I have but few hours to remain in this unfriendly world. There are 6 ...

Notes:

The story is set in Missouri during the Civil War, highlighting the struggles of civilians, particularly women.

The main character, Adair Colley, is an 18-year-old girl who faces brutal circumstances as her family is targeted by both Union and Confederate forces.

Paulette Jiles, the author, spent seven years researching the history of the Civil War in Missouri to depict the setting accurately.

The book includes excerpts from historical documents at the beginning of each chapter, providing authenticity to the narrative.

Adair’s journey involves searching for her father, who is taken by Union soldiers, and trying to protect her younger sisters.

The narrative explores the harsh realities faced by women in wartime, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.

The story features a bond between Adair and a Union major, highlighting themes of love across enemy lines.

Jiles writes in a unique style, omitting quotation marks for dialogue, which some readers found disconcerting while others appreciated as a stylistic choice.

The novel reflects the complexity of loyalties during the Civil War, particularly in border states like Missouri, where neighbors often turned against each other.

Adair's adventures are both believable and optimistic, even as she suffers from tuberculosis, emphasizing her determination and spirit.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains medium content warnings including violence, brutality associated with war, and themes of imprisonment and oppression.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present, primarily focusing on the relationship between Adair and the Union officer, Major Neumann, amidst the backdrop of war.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

From the Author of the National Book Award Finalist News of the World

Good Morning America Book Club Pick

For the Colleys of southeastern Missouri, the War between the States is a plague that threatens devastation, despite the family's avowed neutrality. For eighteen-year-old Adair Colley, it is a nightmare that tears apart her family and forces her and her sisters to flee. The treachery of a fellow traveler, however, brings about her arrest, and she is caged with the criminal and deranged in a filthy women's prison.

But young Adair finds that love can live even in a place of horror and despair. Her interrogator, a Union major, falls in love with her and vows to return for her when the fighting is over. Before he leaves for battle, he bestows upon her a precious gift: freedom.

Now an escaped "enemy woman," Adair must make her harrowing way south buoyed by a promise . . . seeking a home and a family that may be nothing more than a memory.

Ratings (2)

Loved It (2)

Reader Stats (15):

Read It (2)
Want To Read (11)
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1 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

Loved It

4 months

The first book I listened to by Paulette Jules was News of the world and I loved it so dearly. It was on my very top books of 2021. (And the movie was great to). I've been meaning to read more from her but unfortunately I haven't in over a year! But luckily decided to pick this up. Paulette definitely has some real talent in making the characters feel so real and so compelling. That what was compelling me to keep listening and not the plot necessarily. I didn't end up loving this as much but it was still a great book

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Enemy Women

Paulette Jiles