The War I Finally Won Book Review : A Story of Strength, Courage and Belonging

What is The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley about?

The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley follows Ada as she faces challenges, heals from her painful past, and discovers what family and belonging truly means. This sequel explores resilience, courage, friendship and hope during World War II.

Discover our Review and Summary of The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

It is the middle of World War Two, and when Ada finds that everything she cares about is falling apart, she must come up with a daring plan to set things right…

Ada and her brother, Jamie, are devastated. Their new home has been reduced to rubble, and it seems things may never return to normal. Susan, their sole guardian, however, picks herself up, and soon they are given a new house by Lady Thorton, ten times the size of their old one!

Soon enough, life seems to return to normal, but everything changes for Ada when she is told that she would finally get her clubfoot fixed in a surgery. This is great news, and everyone is delighted.

After a long time, Ada returns home and daily routines begin to settle back into place. Soon after, Lady Thorton decides to move in, causing confusion and annoyance among the children. However, as time passes, the children gradually get used to her. Jamie enjoys her company, while Ada’s past experiences with her own mother still haunt her, and she struggles because Lade Thorton reminds her of her own mother.

Not long after, an unusual new visitor accommodates the lively house. Though the family are wary at first when they discover she is from Germany. But as time passes by, suspicions grow, will the family and the unusual visitor ever form a bond?

As the days go on, more heartbreaking news arrives, including the loss of a loved one. During these difficult times, Lady Thorton barely does anything and carries a melancholic expression. Ada soon comprehends the solution to help Lady Thorton, though it requires a lot of bravery. Can Ada complete the challenge in time?

My Favourite character is Lady Thorton because, at first, she appears to have very little compassion for anyone. However, as the story continues, you realise that everything she does is for the benefit of her family. This shows her true love and care for them.

My favourite scene in this book is when Ada finally gets her clubfoot fixed, as it feels like she leaves behind her painful past and finally able feel free.

Is The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Worth Reading?

This book is about overcoming the painful past and learning to make peace with it. It explores themes such as family, resilience and personal growth. Learning that you are accepted and to feel like you belong are important messages throughout the story. This book made me experience many emotions – happiness, sadness and hope. I felt connected to the characters, almost as if I was living in their world.

Overall, The War I Finally Won is a great book to read, and I really enjoyed it. This is second book in the series of two: The War That Saved my Life, The War I Finally Won. This sequel certainly did not disappoint. I rate this book 5/5 and recommend it to anyone looking for a heartfelt story about family, belonging and resilience.

If you liked The War I Finally Won, try these other thought-provoking reads:

The Diary of a Young Girl -Anne Frank: A powerful childhood perspective showing emotional resilience, hardship, and historical reality.

Once Series by Morris Gleitzman: Once | Then | Now | After | Soon | Maybe | Always. Each book follows Felix at different stages of his life.

Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson, a powerful World War 2 historical fiction set during the London Blitz.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, an emotional story from a child’s perspective in a controlled/harsh society.

Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo, which follows a young soldier reflecting on love, family & harsh realities of World War I.

Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll, a historical mystery book during London Blitz.