The War That Saved My Life Book Review: A Powerful Story of Courage and Belonging

What is The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley about?

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley tells the emotional story of Ada, a young girl escaping an abusive home during World War II. This story explores courage, friendship, family and discovering your true worth.

Discover our Review and Summary of The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

When young Ada finds her true self, along with confidence and courage, she doubts she will ever be free from her evil mam…

Ada and her brother, Jamie, live in London in a one-room apartment with their abusive mother. Ada is confined and restricted at home because of her clubfoot – acondition from birth where one or both feet are turned inward and downward – while Jaimie is free to run around the streets with his friends. Ada is abused by her mother because of her clubfoot and is treated as ugly, unwanted and work of the devil. Despite the harsh conditions Ada is living in, she dreams of hope and freedom, so one night she comes up with a plan for herself and Jamie to escape to the countryside.

After a long and gruelling journey, Ada and Jamie make it to the countryside, but they are chosen last in the line of evacuees and are eventually sent to live with an old, scrawny lady with yellow, frizzy hair, called Susan Smith. When they first meet her, neither of them likes the arrangement very much. However, as time passes, Jamie and Ada get more comfortable with Miss Smith.

Ada learns to ride a pony, read, write and walk, under Miss Smith’s guidance. She begins to feel like she belongs in the loving family. However, just as Ada and Jamie start to settle in, a dangerous surprise heads their way, and they find themselves in deep trouble.

Will the children ever see Miss Smith again, or will they return to misery and abuse for the rest of their childhood?

My favourite character in this book is Miss Smith because, at first, she seems very hostile and self-centred. However, as the book progresses her true colours shine through and she turns out to be very kind and caring. I like her because she turns children who were once strangers into family by helping them through their recovery.

My favourite part was when Ada learns how to ride Butter – a pony – because she finally feels free and happy, something she hasn’t experienced for a long time.

Is The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Worth Reading?

Overall, I loved reading this book. The storyline was engaging and kept me entertained throughout. I liked this book especially because it focuses on problems that many children face around the world, highlighting child abuse and showing how one person can make a huge difference in helping someone feel accepted and content.

This is first book in the series of two: The War That Saved my Life, The War I Finally Won. I found this book wonderful and cannot wait to see whether the sequel lives up to my expectations.

I rate this book a 5/5 and recommend to anyone who enjoys reading uplifting stories with emotional moments and an ending that leaves you with many questions and wanting to keep reading.

If you liked The War That Saved My Life, 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.