They called us Enemy Reivew

Screenshot from Libby

Side notes

Well, it's been awhile since I wrote a review but wanted to share a few thoughts on this graphic novel I read.  The review is short but I truly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it to everyone, especially those interested in WWII or even wanting to see some of the background to current events. 

Review

In this memoir, the reader follows the childhood of George Takei, best known for his role as

Screen shot from Libby: Takei as Sulu

 Sulu on Star Trek: The Next Generation.  This well illustrated graphic novel shows the realities of the Japanese interment from the perspective of a child. In the vane of Farwell to Manzanar Takei shares his families experience during WWII in internment camps.  The novel begins as if it were a Ted talk or other event with Takei sharing his story then continues on with his life and the events that lead him 

to where he is today. 

Screenshot from Libby: Leaving home

The illustrations show the reality as seen from a child’s perspective. Each page is full of mixed emotions as his parents' grapple with the reality of losing their home and being forced out by a country they have come to love which are contrasted with George and his brother’s excitement over taking a train ride or a “vacation”. Each new development comes with slow realization that only time and age would help George to fully understand. 

The full reality of the internment camps will never fully be understood by those not encamped there and as Takei shares even some of the children do not understand the extent of the injuries their parents suffered. This book shows a simple glimpse into the past and the experiences of one family. The lasting impact the camp had on George Takei stayed with him as he sought to make a career for himself in Hollywood. Learning from the past and understanding that much is still shrouded in lost memories is important to not repeating it again. Seeing what we have done and where others have been is important in empathy for others. 

The illustrations and narrative work wonderfully together to create a sense of loss mingled with hope. Each new chapter in Takei’s life brought something new though many events, such as meeting Mrs. Roosevelt, were shadowed by memories of the past wrongs done to Japanese Americans.  

I enjoyed the graphic novel and learned much. The historical information is often overlooked in textbooks and schools but so very important for an understanding of how to handle many situations today. Learning what was done wrong and how to not repeat such incidents can only be done when we listen to our past. The graphic memoir brings the story of one family to life in an easy to understand way. 

 

Screenshot from Libby: George Takei's dedication

Reference 

Takei, G. (2019). They called us enemy [Digital edition]. Marietta, GA: Top Shelf Productions.