The War That Saved My Life

Title: The War that Saved my Life

 

Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

 

Summary: 9 year old Ada lives overseas during the outbreak of WW2 with her evil mother and 6 year old brother, Jamie in a small apartment. Ada has a bad club foot that was never treated, and her mother hates her for it. Her mother forces her to stay in and to not walk. Ada longs for something more - to be able to be like her brother who is allowed out on the streets to run and explore.

When children begin to be sent away to the country due to bomb possibilities with the outbreak of the war, Ada knows she has to go with her brother, who is supposed to be sent off without her.

The two of them eventually event up with a nice lady, Susan Smith. Susan is kind towards them and it is obvious throughout the book that despite some acts of frustration or resentment, that she loves them.

Ada begins to read, write, and become independent. However, things change when it appears her mother may be coming back for them...

 

Comments: Oh, I loved this book. It was a bit of a depressing read, sure, but it was amazing too. It really portrayed emotion well, and Ada was likeable and so was her brother Jamie, as well as Susan. It is rewarding to watch Ada make progress in her life and the suspense left me anxious to turn the next page (I read the whole thing on a 2 hour car ride and while it was a long book; it was so good that I plowed through it). I think this book could potentially win an award for the beautiful writing. Everything is portrayed so nicely and one can really feel as though they have stepped back into history. This is perfect for the reader who doesn't enjoy learning boring facts about history, but rather reading them in an exciting way through a fiction story.

The book does have a few graphic scenes and descriptions, so I'd probably suggest a 10+ on the mature side.

I really enjoyed this book and I'd really like to see a sequel or something similar be published! This would make a good movie too! ;P

 

Complaints: I thought there were a few underlying themes that were not really necessary to the book.

 

Rating: 5 + stars (this is a fabulous book!!!)