When We Were Enemies

A Novel

By: Emily Bleeker

Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan, Eva Kaminsky

Length: 11 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

Two women, generations apart, in the spotlight. A powerful novel about family secrets, devastating choices, and hope for the future by the bestselling author of When I’m Gone.

Camera-shy Elise Branson is different from the other women in her maternal line. Her mother is an award-winning actress. Her late grandmother, Vivian Snow, is a beloved Hollywood icon. But when Elise’s upcoming wedding coincides with a documentary being made about Vivian, Elise can’t escape the camera’s gaze. And neither can her grandmother, even in death.

It’s 1943 when Vivian, a small-town Indiana girl, lends her home front support to the war effort. As a translator in the nearby Italian POW camp, she’s invaluable. As a celebrated singer for the USO, she lifts men’s spirits and falls in love with a soldier. But behind this all-American love story is a shocking secret—one that is vital to keep buried if Vivian is to achieve the fame and fortune she covets.

For Elise and Vivian, what’s hidden—and what’s exposed—threatens to unravel their lives. The heart-wrenching choices they must make will change them both forever.

©2023 by Emily Bleeker (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“As a novelist, Emily Bleeker has a genuinely impressive, narrative driven, and distinctive storytelling style that fully engages her readers from first page to last. Her latest novel, When We Were Enemies will have a special appeal to readers with in interest in comparative generational historical fiction at its very best. A memorable read throughout, When We Were Enemies is a highly recommended pick…”—The Historical Fiction Shelf, Midwest Book Review

“An original, fascinating, deftly crafted, and fun read from beginning to end, When We Were Enemies smoothly showcases author Emily Bleeker's undeniably impressive talents and her mastery of narrative driven storytelling.”—The General Fiction Shelf, Midwest Book Review

Two generations of women find their way in love and life

I enjoyed the alternating chapters covering a woman in current times and her actress/singer grandmother two generations earlier. There’s a depth to the content of their lives in setting and their emotional journeys. Lots of unexpected twists. Recommended!

Ok, not my favorite.

I liked the main character ok and I enjoyed the narrator, however the book left me with too many unanswered questions.

The factual nature of the location.

I loved the book. I hated for it to end! Not sure why this review has to be a 15 word minimum!

Women

The story shows what a difference between how women were treated back in 1943 vs today.

Following Your Heart & Dreams

I enjoyed the story overall. I do think there are a few loose ends in Vivian’s timeline. I want to know more about her sister.

the retelling of the historic point of view

I loved the dual story telling aspect. great book! can't wait for more like this one!

Excellent story!

I loved this story. I didn’t want it to end. One of the best authors out there.

When we were enemies

Great read had me captivated all the way through!! Trust me you won't want to put this story down!!

It All Began With Nonna.

I am Nonna to some of my grandchildren and have an Italian ancestry being my mother’s parents were immigrants who came through Ellis Island so the Italian aspect of the book was very real to me. World War 2 has always been of interest to me however I particularly focused on England probably because my father flew bombers from there over Germany. I was not aware that we had Italian POW’s in the United States. It was of interest to me of how the story gave explanation on the importance of how the U S treated POW’s especially since my father was a POW held in Germany after his aircraft was shot down. Much of the story touched me personally. Hopefully, I did not give too much of it away. I totally and completely enjoyed everything about it. Also, the reader was the best!

Filled with heartfelt emotion

Beautifully written and engaging story. I was effortlessly absorbed into the struggles and emotions of these two woman, as they navigated family expectations, traditions and conflicts in their separate time periods.