Jean Webster
Dear Enemy is a novel written by Jean Webster and originally published in 1915. The story follows the life of a young woman named Sallie McBride who, after graduating from college, takes on the role of superintendent at an orphanage in upstate New York. The orphanage is in dire need of reform and Sallie is determined to make a difference. However, she quickly discovers that the orphanage is in debt and struggling financially. In an effort to save the orphanage, Sallie writes to a wealthy Scottish businessman named Jervis Pendleton, who happens to be her former guardian. Jervis agrees to help, but only if Sallie can prove that she is capable of running the orphanage effectively. He sends his friend and business associate, a Scottish doctor named Robin MacRae, to help Sallie with the task. Sallie and Robin have a rocky start, but they soon develop a strong working relationship. Together, they work to improve the conditions at the orphanage and bring in much-needed funds. As they spend more time together, Sallie and Robin begin to develop feelings for each other. However, there are obstacles in their way, including Jervis’ disapproval and Sallie’s fear of commitment. Dear Enemy is a heartwarming story about love, family, and the power of determination. It is a timeless classic that has been beloved by readers for over a century.1915. Webster was a grandniece of Mark Twain. She was interested in social work, especially the fields of childcare and prison reform, but her main occupation was writing. She wrote a number of short stories and novels for younger readers including her most famous work, Daddy Long-Legs. In Dear Enemy, Sallie McBride, the dear friend of Judy Abbot (heroine of Daddy Long-Legs), accepts an appointment as superintendent of an orphanage and promptly embarks on a program of much needed reform. The book, while touching on serious social issues, does so in a delightfully written and entertaining manner.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
