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Sunday, January 06, 2019

The War I Finally Won

by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

I read the first in this two-book series a year or so ago and absolutely loved it.  The main character, Ada, spent most of her childhood locked up in her flat because her mother told her she was ugly and flawed and nobody wanted to see her.  Ada had a club foot.  During WWI she and her younger brother escape the bombing and are taken in by a single lady who doesn't really want them but is forced into taking them.

Eventually Susan, the single lady, begins to love the children.  A rich patron in the village pays for Ada's club foot to be mended and Susan gives Ada her friend's horse.  Ada still has fears and is frightfully uneducated but Susan teaches Ada and her brother at home.  Susan is wise in dealing with Ada and her fears.  During WWWII a german girl comes to live with them and is, at first, despised, but eventually Ada develops a sisterly relationship with her. 

I loved how strong Ada becomes throughout the two books.  As her knowledge increases so does her wisdom and bravery.  I love both Susan and Ada and felt like I learn so much from them.  Their compassion led to wise actions in behalf of others.  A wonderful short series that I highly recommend to old and young alike.