Oh man. This was a hard one to read. This heartbreaking memoir was one woman’s story about growing up in a family shattered by PTSD and physical abuse. I really appreciated that Clare showed how war wasn’t only detrimental to veterans, but also to their families at home. A powerful reminder, especially in these tense and uncertain days. 3.5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher (and author) for the Kindle ARC. Ruth Clare's memoir of growing up in a household ruled by a parent with PTSD is both heartbreaking and heart-felt. As a person who also grew up in a home with psychological abuse, her story is true to my heart. Her need to understand the actions of her father as she raises her own children also strikes a chord with the reader. I applaud Ms. Clare's courage and resilience in writing her story.

Enemy May be a difficult book for some readers since the author deals with the extreme abuse she suffered at the hands of her father.
I applaud the author for grappling with this issue. I cheered her in when she told off her father’s girlfriend when she was only.
Clare tries to rationalize her father’s behavior by accrediting it to his service in Vietnam. I think that may partially explain his abusive behavior but I also think he was a real bastard that can’t be excused by anything.
It was interesting to read how Australian soldiers were treated after serving in Vietnam, a subject I knew nothing about.
Clare wrote her story for many reasons and I hope she can lay some of the demons to rest.