Fans of historical fiction will love Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s novel, The War That Saved My Life and will root for the main character Ada as she lives her life in England during World War II.
Ada has never left her house. With her twisted leg, she can barely make it across the room to look out the window. Her only happiness is taking care of Jaime, Ada’s little brother. So when their cruel mother sends Jaime away from London to escape the war, Ada takes the chance to escape too.
Together they travel to the countryside and are forced into the care of Susan, a lonely woman who doesn’t want to care for them. As time goes on, Ada begins to grow and learn all the things she never knew by staying inside her home in London. She learns to sew, ride horses, and even write. Eventually, Ada and Jaime begin to trust and care for Susan and Susan begins to care for them too. But with war on the horizon, safety and security are hard to find. Will Ada be able to keep the trust and freedom she found with Susan or will the war tear their family apart?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this new take on World War II. With Ada’s story, readers get to see how World War II affected those at home during the war. But readers who expect more action in their historical fiction choices do not have to worry. There is plenty of action to see in the second half of the book and will leave readers excited for the sequel, The War I Finally Won.
The War That Saved My Life is a recommended pick for fans of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s other novels like Number the Stars. This book is also a good choice for fans of other historical fiction novels set during World War II like Jerry Spinelli’s Milkweed.
Does it have a Young Adult label?: No.
Recommended if you like stories with: historical fiction, realistic novels, WWII, England, family, survival, adventures, friendship, identity, characters with disabilities
Favorite Quote: “I don't know what to say," she said, after a pause. "I don't want to tell you a lie, and I don't know the truth." It was maybe the most honest thing anyone had ever said to me.”
Rating:
Together they travel to the countryside and are forced into the care of Susan, a lonely woman who doesn’t want to care for them. As time goes on, Ada begins to grow and learn all the things she never knew by staying inside her home in London. She learns to sew, ride horses, and even write. Eventually, Ada and Jaime begin to trust and care for Susan and Susan begins to care for them too. But with war on the horizon, safety and security are hard to find. Will Ada be able to keep the trust and freedom she found with Susan or will the war tear their family apart?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy this new take on World War II. With Ada’s story, readers get to see how World War II affected those at home during the war. But readers who expect more action in their historical fiction choices do not have to worry. There is plenty of action to see in the second half of the book and will leave readers excited for the sequel, The War I Finally Won.
The War That Saved My Life is a recommended pick for fans of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley’s other novels like Number the Stars. This book is also a good choice for fans of other historical fiction novels set during World War II like Jerry Spinelli’s Milkweed.
Does it have a Young Adult label?: No.
Recommended if you like stories with: historical fiction, realistic novels, WWII, England, family, survival, adventures, friendship, identity, characters with disabilities
Favorite Quote: “I don't know what to say," she said, after a pause. "I don't want to tell you a lie, and I don't know the truth." It was maybe the most honest thing anyone had ever said to me.”
Rating: