The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Series: The War that Saved my Life (Book 2)

Link to Review of Book 1:
https://www.krwardbookreview.com/2021/05/the-war-that-saved-my-life-by-kimberly.html

Title: The War I Finally Won

Author: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Published: 2017

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grade Level: 6^th-8^th Grade

-Trigger Warning: Grief

-Features: Physical Disability

 

Audiobook:

Narrated by: Jayne Entwistle

Length: 8hrs 46min

Recommend: Yes!

 

Blurb (from goodreads):

Ada and her younger brother, Jamie, now have a permanent home with their loving legal guardian, Susan Smith. Although Jamie adapts more easily, Ada still struggles with the aftermath of her old life, and how to fit into her new life.

World War II continues, and forces the small community to come together and rely on one another. Ada has never been interested in getting to know her friend’s family—especially Maggie’s mother, the formidable Lady Thorton. However, circumstances bring them in close proximity along with other unexpected characters.

Ada comes face to face with another German! This time she isn’t sure what she should do. How can she help the ones she loves and keep them safe?

 

My Scores:

Writing Style: Top Notch

The writing style is just as fantastic as the first novel.

Characters: Memorable

Ada Smith has become one of my favorite female characters. I love how realistic she is in trying to deal with her traumatic childhood. Her anxiety, dissociations, and skepticism made her so relatable.  

 

Plot: Enjoyable

My favorite part of the book is the beginning. That’s where the novel had a complete hold over my emotions.

In the middle the plot slows down a bit, but I rather enjoyed it. This is where we meet new characters, learn more about previous characters, and have tense conversations about religion, race, and war.

I also enjoyed the heck out of the ending. I knew that resolutions would come about, but it’s always interesting to see how an author will arrange things to get it done.

Overall: Obsessed

I adore this duology! And I wish like crazy it was a trilogy, but it’s always good to leave your audience wanting more.

Messaging: “You can know something all you like, it doesn’t mean you believe it.”

 

Goodreads Rating: 4 out of 5 stars