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The War That Saved My Life summary
Brief summary
The War That Saved My Life is a heart-wrenching historical fiction novel set during World War II. It tells the story of Ada, a young girl with a disability, who finds love, strength, and freedom as she escapes London to the countryside.
Table of Contents
The War That Saved My Life
Summary of key ideas
War and New Beginnings
In The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, we find ourselves in London during World War II, following the journey of two siblings; 10-year-old Ada and her younger brother Jamie. Ada, born with a clubfoot, has been belittled and confined to her one-room flat by her abusive mother, never having been allowed to set foot outside.
When the children of London are evacuated due to bombing threats, Ada seizes the opportunity to escape her flat and joins Jamie. They end up in a small coastal town in Kent, expecting further hardship. Instead, they are taken in by Susan Smith, a woman struggling with her own issues. Susan is unfamiliar with children, and at first, she seems detached and unloving. However, she accepts the responsibility, slowly opening herself to the children's needs.
Transformation through Love and Care
Ada discovers a life she never thought she deserved. Susan teaches her to read and write, about the world outside their small flat, and she experiences simple pleasures like seeing the ocean for the first time, riding a pony, and feeling the security of a stable home. This immersion into kindness leads to a remarkable transformation in Ada. Her ingenuity, determination, and courage start to shine through. She establishes a close bond with Susan's pony, Butter, creating even more confidence within her.
Meanwhile, the contrast between her former life and her new one becomes starker. She struggles with feelings of unworthiness and fear—fear that one day her mother will return and take her and Jamie back to their old life. She is haunted by the traumatic experiences of her past and the belief that she is undeserving due to her disability.
Blossoming Relationships
As the story progresses, Ada, Jamie, and Susan form a makeshift family. Despite any initial reluctance, Susan rises to the occasion, proving to be a loving, nurturing figure. Meanwhile, Ada exceeds her expectations, shedding her role as an outcast and embracing her worth as an individual. The relationships grow, not only between Susan and the children but also between Ada, Jamie, and the other people in their village. This blossoming of relationships shows the profound impact on a child's development and emotional well-being.
The letter from Ada and Jamie's mother demanding their return disrupts their tranquility and brings Ada's inner turmoil to the surface. However, Susan refuses to cooperate and fights for custody of the siblings. Throughout this conflict, Ada maintains her resolve to stay with Susan, illustrating her growing self-esteem and determination.
Summing Up War and Personal Battles
In the culmination of the book, Ada musters the courage to confront her abusive mother and stand up for herself, showcasing the extent of her personal growth. Through her traumatic experiences of the Second World War, Ada learns about love, trust, and the power of perseverance.
In conclusion, The War That Saved My Life is a captivating narrative about overcoming adversities, both seen and unseen, and the transformative power of love and acceptance. From the beginning of the story, where Ada couldn't even walk outside her one-room flat, she ends up not only riding horseback towards her freedom but also bravely standing up to her abusive mother, illustrating that even amidst war, there’s hope for change and personal victories.
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What is The War That Saved My Life about?
This novel tells the story of a young girl named Ada who escapes her abusive mother and finds refuge in the English countryside during World War II. Through her journey, Ada learns about love, family, and the power of resilience. It is a heartwarming tale of survival and self-discovery.
The War That Saved My Life Review
The War That Saved My Life (2015) is a heartwarming story about love, resilience, and the power of hope in the face of adversity. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- An emotional journey: It takes us on the transformative journey of Ada, a young girl with a disability, who discovers strength and freedom during World War II.
- Authentic characters: Through the richly drawn characters, we witness the complexities of human relationships and the impact of kindness and compassion.
- Historical backdrop: Set against the backdrop of war-torn England, the book provides a fascinating and realistic portrayal of life during that time.
Who should read The War That Saved My Life?
- Readers who enjoy heartwarming stories of resilience and overcoming adversity
- Individuals interested in historical fiction set during World War II
- Parents, educators, and mentors who want to introduce young readers to themes of love, family, and self-discovery
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The War That Saved My Life FAQs
What is the main message of The War That Saved My Life?
The main message of The War That Saved My Life is about resilience and the power of love and compassion.
How long does it take to read The War That Saved My Life?
The reading time for The War That Saved My Life varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The War That Saved My Life a good book? Is it worth reading?
The War That Saved My Life is definitely worth reading. It's a heartwarming story that explores themes of family, courage, and personal growth.
Who is the author of The War That Saved My Life?
The author of The War That Saved My Life is Kimberly Brubaker Bradley.
What to read after The War That Saved My Life?
If you're wondering what to read next after The War That Saved My Life, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- How Children Succeed by Paul Tough
- Becoming Attached by Robert Karen
- All Joy and No Fun by Jennifer Senior
- The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber
- Minimalist Parenting by Christine Koh and Asha Dornfest
- Moms Mean Business by Erin Baebler and Lara Galloway
- Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua
- Screamfree Parenting by Hal Edward Runkel
- Getting to 50/50 by Sharon Meers and Joanna Strober
- The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller