PW called this tale of young Jewish boys conscripted into the czar's army "a gripping novel out of an overlooked chapter of history." Ages 12-up.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 5-9-- Set in Czarist Russia in 1851, this novel addresses the issue of forced conscription into the army. According to the introduction, Jewish children were recruited at the age of 12 in preparation for military service, but conversion to Christianity was the primary goal; this was accomplished by both physical and emotional torture. In alternating chapters, Aaron and Zev (the "sworn enemies" of the title) offer their first-person narrations. Aaron, a brilliant Yeshiva student, is captured by Zev, who is working to fulfill the town's military quota. Through a series of quirks and mishaps, Zev ends up in the same battalion. The two escape from the army in a manner that strains credibility; they remain enemies to the end. In this historical adventure, the one-dimensional characters are entirely predictable in actions and thoughts. A good deal of melodramatic soul-searching takes place; unanswerable questions are posed and pondered. Average readers are unlikely to understand the nuances of Orthodox Jewish belief and observance described, making this book more suitable for those with some familiarity with such customs. --Susan Kaminow, Arlington County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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