This review has spoilers so if you don’t want the book spoiled don’t read this review. I read “The War that Saved my Life” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. This is the story of ten-year-old Ada, who has never been allowed to leave her one room apartment. Her abusive mother is too embarrassed to let her go outside because of her clubfoot. She cooks, takes care of her six-year-old brother Jamie, and sees the outside world only through a window. When Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada decides to leave with him, without telling her mother. When they arrive in the countryside, Ada and Jamie are sent to live with a woman named Susan Smith. With Susan, Ada is able to go outside, learn how to read and write, and is taken care of. The setting of the book is London and Kent, England in 1939, during World War II.

Ada Smith is determined, caring, and imaginative. She is determined because she teaches herself to walk so she can escape from London with her brother, Jamie, despite the physical pain this causes her. Ada also teaches herself to ride Susan’s horse, Butter, when she moves to the country. Ada is caring because she has been her brother’s caretaker and protector since he was born. She is imaginative because she when she feels scared or unsafe, Ada escapes by transporting herself to another place in her mind.

One of the most enjoyable parts of the book is when Ada rescues her neighbor Margaret, who had fallen off her horse. I found this interesting because Margaret, who is wealthy and well-educated, had looked down on Ada when she first arrived as a poor evacuee from London. The girls eventually become friends after Ada returns Margaret home safely. It was also interesting when Mam came to collect Ada and Jamie from Susan’s house in the country. Mam had been abusive to the children when they lived with her.  She had also never replied to any of Susan’s letters, so it was shocking when she arrived.

I enjoyed reading “The War That Saved My Life”. It was entertaining because there was a happy ending. When Ada and Jamie’s mother came to collect them from Susan’s house, it seems like they have to return forever to a life of abuse and neglect with their mother. The book ends happily when Susan comes to London to rescue the children from their mother. I also learned about World War II in an interesting way by reading the book. I wouldn’t typically choose historical fiction, but this book is a page turner. I recommend this book because it keeps the reader’s attention and is hopeful. Ada reminds me of Anne Frank because of her bravery. I would give this book 5 stars.