Tolog Review: The War that Saved my Life

The War that Saved my Life
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
reviewed by Emma Hartley

The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley is an uplifting historical fiction novel that takes its reader on a riveting journey throughout the life of a young girl named Ada. Ada is around 10 years old when the story begins and was born with a clubfoot. Her abusive mother “Mam” is embarrassed by her child’s deformity, and does not miss a chance to mention to Ada what a worthless cripple she is. She keeps Ada locked up in their one-room apartment all day in hopes that no one will find out about her foot; Ada can’t even remember the last time she went outside. When Ada’s little brother Jamie hears from his school friends that they are being evacuated out of London to be safe from the war, Ada leaps at the opportunity to escape. She and Jamie start a new life living with Susan, the lady who was forced to take them in once they left London. Jamie goes to school, Ada learns to read and ride a pony, and Susan transforms into a mother which she never even imagined was possible. As they begin to trust and love one another, the story takes a turn. Set during the time of World War II, this breathtaking story is a tale of adventure, self-identity, family, and tenderness. The author use literary devices such as imagery and personification to help express what a roller coaster of a journey Ada goes on throughout the story. She also uses metaphors and similes to convey the importance and similarities between growing up and being loved. By changing the mood of the story on multiple occasions, the author takes us on an adventure with many ups and downs, and twists and turns.