Plot Summary

My Enemy's Cradle

Sara Young (Pennypacker)
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My Enemy's Cradle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

Book Brief

Sara Young (Pennypacker)

My Enemy's Cradle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Germany • 1940s

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In My Enemy's Cradle, half-Jewish Cyrla assumes her cousin Anneke’s identity to seek refuge in a Nazi-run maternity home for unwed mothers during World War II. As she navigates the perils of living under false pretenses, Cyrla strives to hide her heritage, survive the harrowing conditions, and find a way to escape before her baby is born. Themes of war, hope, and love are intricately explored. This novel includes scenes depicting sexual assault, violence, and the trauma of war.

Mysterious

Melancholic

Dark

Emotional

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Sara Young's My Enemy's Cradle captivates with its historical depth and emotional intensity, set against the backdrop of World War II. Praised for its compelling protagonist and intricate detailing, the novel skillfully evokes both empathy and tension. However, some critics find its pacing uneven and certain plot developments predictable. Overall, it's a poignant, evocative read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read My Enemy's Cradle?

Readers who appreciate The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will find My Enemy's Cradle compelling. These readers are often drawn to historical fiction centered on World War II, rich narratives of resilience, and complex moral choices faced by young protagonists during wartime.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Germany • 1940s

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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