Britain is at war. London children need to be evacuated for their safety, but Ada’s mother says she’ll have to stay. No one would want her with her ugly club foot. She was a useless cripple and nothing more.

Ada is used to this cruelty from her mother. Even now at age ten, she is made to sit inside all day every day, looking out at the world from a window. Her little brother Jamie comes and goes, but Ada is forbidden, in case she shames her Mam. She is punished often, locked in a cupboard under the sink, or slapped for the merest thing.

Ada is determined to leave London too. This determination fuels her through their escape and the rest of the story. It seems her Mam is right as no-one chooses them when they reach the country. They are forced upon a grieving woman (Susan) who refuses at first. Slowly but surely, Ada experiences the simple things in life. A horse called Butter. Plenty to eat. Grass, the ocean, sewing, knitting, reading and writing.

A lifetime of Mam’s cutting words and cruelty are ingrained and Ada finds it almost impossible to trust anyone’s kindness. She clashes with Susan because of this but very gradually her hard shell of mistrust, fear and shame begins to crack, even as deep down she expects it all to be taken away again.

Set in Kent, England, The War that saved my Life reminds me of the wonderful classic Goodnight Mister Tom. Ada’s feelings and fears are well portrayed after the terrible life she has led at the hands of her cruel mother, and the kindness and support they receive from Susan is heartening and real. A Newberry Honor Award winner.

Author – Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Age – 9+

If you liked this you’ll love Goodnight Mister Tom (Click on Cover for a Review)

(War WWII, Historical, Family, Child abuse, Brave, Determination, Siblings, Love, Horses)