It is World War II. Your city is threatened to be bombed. You can’t walk. Your mom has locked you up in your tiny bedroom for your whole life. This is the tragic life that 10-year-old Ada Smith lives in the novel The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. Ada has never left the one-room apartment that she shares with her abusive mother and her 6-year-old brother, Jamie. Ada was born with clubfoot, and she can't walk so she has to crawl to get around. When Jamie is shipped out of their hometown (London) because it is threatened to be bombed, Ada sneaks out with him. The train takes them to a coastal village named Kent, where a woman named Susan Smith is forced to take the two siblings in. Over the time that Ada and Jamie spend in Susan’s care, they bond with each other through various experiences – some scary, some hilarious, and some sad. This novel was probably the best book I have ever read because of the heartfelt relationships, the creative plot, and the happy feeling that comes after reading.
First, the relationships that Bradley came up with were strong, unique, and sweet. For example, Ada’s relationship with her new mom, Susan starts as weak, but, through the challenges and tests of the novel, strengthens into a strong mother-and-daughter relationship. Another example is between Ada and Jamie. Jamie was always treated way better than Ada, but Ada still cared for and looked after her younger brother.
Furthermore, the plot was super creative and entertaining. No matter if there was a sad suspenseful scene or a happy scene, I was always on the edge of my seat. All of the activities and adventures that Ada went on were uniquely described with vivid language. The story arc was so innovative and different that my predictions kept being proven wrong.
Finally, the happiness that comes after reading is one of a kind. Even though the majority of the book is sad, the happy moments shine brightly and overpower some of the tragedy. Throughout the book, the reader is rooting for Ada and her new-found family, and every success makes the reader feel so good for them. The humor, openness, and willingness that Susan shows towards Ada and Jamie brings the reader happiness and a sense of hope.
Overall, the novel The War That Saved My Life was amazing because of the creative relationships, the strong characters, and the happy aura. The reader is always rooting for Ada and her new family on their unique journey. I would rate this book 5 out of 5 and recommend it to everyone, but especially those who appreciate a good realistic fiction novel. It is my favorite book I have ever read, and I am warning you now: once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down.
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