Jean Webster 
Dear Enemy 

Jean Webster’s ’Dear Enemy’ is a captivating epistolary novel that delves into social issues of the early 20th century. Written in a light-hearted and engaging style, the book follows the protagonist, Judy Abbott, as she takes on the role of a superintendent at an orphanage. Through Judy’s letters to her friends and enemies, readers are offered a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by orphaned children and the importance of love and compassion. The novel’s mix of humor, romance, and social commentary makes it a timeless piece of literature. Jean Webster’s use of wit and satire adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making ’Dear Enemy’ a must-read for fans of classic fiction. As an author with a background in social work, Webster’s personal experiences and insights shine through in the novel, providing readers with a thoughtful and thought-provoking exploration of the orphanage system in the early 1900s. I highly recommend ’Dear Enemy’ to those interested in fiction that combines entertainment with social awareness, offering a unique perspective on the issues of the time.

Om författaren

Jean Webster (1876-1916) was the pen name of American writer Alice Jane Chandler Webster. Born in Fredonia, New York, Webster was known for her strong female protagonists and her involvement in social issues, particularly women’s suffrage and education reforms. She graduated from Vassar College in 1901 and drew upon her experiences there to craft stories that often featured intelligent, independent women. Webster’s literary style combined humor, social commentary, and a progressive stance on women’s rights, which was innovative for her time.

Her best-known work, ’Daddy-Long-Legs, ’ published in 1912, is an epistolary novel detailing the experiences of a young orphan girl, Judy Abbott, who goes to college through the generosity of an anonymous benefactor. In the 1915 novel ’Dear Enemy, ’ a sequel to ’Daddy-Long-Legs, ’ Webster continued her exploration of social themes, following the character Sallie Mc Bride, who manages an orphan asylum. Though it was less well-known than its predecessor, the novel similarly employs a series of letters to provide social critique and insights into institutional life. Webster’s work remains significant for its insightful representation of early 20th-century womanhood and its contribution to social reform narratives. Unfortunately, Webster’s literary career was cut short when she died at the age of 39 due to childbirth complications, leaving behind a legacy that has inspired many social-minded writers in the succeeding generations.