35 pages • 1 hour read
George TakeiThey Called Us Enemy
Nonfiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, illustrated by Harmony Becker, is a graphic memoir of Takei's childhood in Japanese internment camps during WWII. Framed by Takei's modern-day talk at President Roosevelt's home, it chronicles his family's relocation to Camp Rohwer, dealing with their internment's hardships, the Loyalty Questionnaire, and eventual transfer to Camp Tule Lake. Post-war, they move to Los Angeles, where Takei's career in theater, particularly his role in Star Trek, enables him to promote tolerance and inclusivity. Sensitive topics of war, incarceration, and displacement are depicted.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei is a poignant graphic memoir that intricately depicts the injustices of Japanese American internment during WWII through evocative illustrations and compelling storytelling. Praised for its emotional depth and educational value, it occasionally receives critique for its simplistic dialogue. Overall, it is a powerful and accessible read.
Who Should Read They Called Us Enemy?
Fans of biographical graphic novels will appreciate George Takei's They Called Us Enemy. Readers who enjoyed Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi or March by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin—books that blend personal history with broader social issues—will find a compelling narrative on resilience and justice in Takei’s work.
RecommendedReading Age
12+yearsLexile Level
GN680LBook Details
History: U.S.
Social Justice
Japanese Literature
Asian Literature
WWII / World War II
Identity: Race