No free man : Canada, the Great War, and the enemy alien experience /

When the Great War started in August 1914, some felt that soldiers would be home for Christmas. That was far from the truth, and some civilians in participating countries had problems of their own. Kordan (political studies, St. Thomas Moore College, Univ. of Saskatchewan) explores the "enemy alien problem," which resulted in internment of some thousands who had recently immigrated to Canada from Germany. This thoroughly researched book with copious endnotes supports that thesis. The author concludes that the "cruel lesson of war had been learned: Canada had failed to live up to its initial invitation and obligations." Although there was some official whitewashing of the internment, Kordan observes that "the memories of the recent past could not be so easily erased." This volume is unique in that it not only chronicles a specific historical event, but also foretells of a similar situation in the US at the start of WW II. In addition, in light of current world affairs, the book speaks to recently settled immigrants in new lands and those desperate populations still seeking something similar. Summing Up: Recommended. All levels/libraries. --Samuel A. Syme, Coastal Carolina University