I Am Not Your Enemy

February 21, 2020

Stories can have the power to influence other people, both positively and negatively. McRay (Where the River Bends; Letters from Apartheid Street) notes that certain narratives people hold can dehumanize those who share identities, cultures, and beliefs different from their own. These tales, in part, can foster a view that others are the enemy, with violence or war sometimes the end result. The author seeks to counter this perspective by providing positive and encouraging accounts. He begins by interviewing ten people caught up in conflict and violence in countries such as South Africa, Northern Ireland, Israel, and Palestine. These same people are now involved in efforts toward social justice and reconciliation in places still experiencing political and societal unrest. McRay focuses on the transformation that's taken place in their lives, providing the hope that these positive and healing efforts can be expanded and make a significant impact, in the United States and abroad. VERDICT Those interested in political science, as well as restorative justice and peacemaking, should find this informative and engaging reading.--John Jaeger, Johnson Univ., Knoxville, TN

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