Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Trigger warnings: Abusive mother, military violence and war themes

7/10, this was another good war novel, and I enjoyed this one, but not as much as Alan Gratz's novels. The dynamic between Ada and Jamie was very chaotic, and initially, I found Ada annoying and hard to read at times because she shouted but then I realised she lived a very difficult life to say the least with her abusive mother however Ada later experienced character development in the form of learning manners and the world around her living in a new house with a new guardian whose name I forgot but if you read this book you will discover she's much better than Ada's mother. The worldbuilding was fine and the pacing was fast and I was hopeful that Ada's foot would be fixed but her mother didn't consent, and it just ended in a cliffhanger. I would recommend this for a hard-hitting book about war and I can't wait to read the next book in the series which should be just as good, there's one more book I would like to read from this author called Fighting Words which seems interesting in my eyes.… (lisätietoja)

Book on CD narrated by Jayne Entwistle

Ten-year-old Ada lives in a one-room apartment with her mother and younger brother. Ada, however, has never left the apartment. She has a club foot and her mother doesn’t want anyone to see Ada. So, she sits at her window and watches the neighbors. She has no friends. She’s never attended school. Still, she feels responsible for her brother Jamie, so when he reports that the children of London are to be sent to the country due to the war with Germany, Ada makes up her mind to go with him.

This is a marvelous story of courage and tenacity. Bradly doesn’t sugarcoat the difficulties Ada faces, from her abusive mother, to her ignorance of things we take for granted, (she doesn’t know what soup is!), to the anger and fear that sometimes overwhelm her. But Ada is a very strong girl. And with perseverance, she will overcome the poor start she’s had in life.

The story is also about grief and tolerance. Susan Smith is the grieving woman who is coerced into taking Jamie and Ada in. She doesn’t want children; she doesn’t like children; she doesn’t know what to do with or for children. But over time she comes to understand their struggles and to care for them not just because they’ve been place in her charge, but because she genuinely loves them.

There is a sequel to this story and I can hardly wait to read it to find out what happens to Ada, Jamie and Susan.

The audiobook is masterfully performed by Jayne Entwistle. I have to admit that I initially kept thinking of Flavia deLuce because Entwistle narrated those books, but I quickly adjusted.… (lisätietoja)

This was an unexpected story. I love that it centers and honors the choice of Jewish children and families in WWII to choose heritage over safety, to choose to remember their own stories. The fantastical elements worked for me, and Miri's deep connection to plants and gardening as well. I worry a little bit that the fact that there are fantastical elements might make Miri's choice to lead others to safety seem like an impossible thing as well, but I think that might be why I'm drawn to stories about WWII. There were so many people stepping up to do impossible or unlikely things, because they knew it was the morally right thing, the compassionate and human thing. Enjoyed the book very much -- the storytelling is compelling and engrossing.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.… (lisätietoja)

The first book completed for 2023. Told via the pov of 10 year old Ada, this is an engaging story about two children who are evacuees and the woman who reluctantly agrees to take them in. The title not only refers to WWII but an internal conflict. The subject matter isn't always pleasant but the book is easy to read. The story continues in a second book called [b:The War I Finally Won|33865643|The War I Finally Won (The War That Saved My Life, #2)|Kimberly Brubaker Bradley|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1498909398l/33865643._SY75_.jpg|54819046].

Source: Library
Kindle Edition
322 pages
Newbery Honor Book
322 pages
First published January 8, 2015… (lisätietoja)