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doulicia 's review for:
The War I Finally Won
by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
It feels weird to apply the "cozy" label to a book about many kinds of loss, but I must. The writing is so tender, so gentle, that even confronting death feels safe and okay. Especially for a middle grades book, this introduces some of the horrors of WWII -- concentration camps, the London Blitz, the wholesale investment of young men in the war effort -- and the daily deprivations (food and gas rationing, blackout shades, school closings) without being overwhelming. It's like the kindest of teachers or sweetest of mothers sits you down for a hard talk, but does so with an arm around your shoulder and a plate of warm cookies at hand.
Plus, these are utterly lovable characters. Our heroine, Ada, with her guarded joy and sharp curiosity. Her guardian, Susan, who acts with the wisdom of a child psychologist and frankness of an independent woman. Even complicated Lady Thornton is good-hearted, even if she has a hard time showing affection or understanding her privileged position in life.
I just loved both this book and its predecessor. I'm sorry to see them come to an end.
(and one more, Jane Entwistle shines as narrator)
Plus, these are utterly lovable characters. Our heroine, Ada, with her guarded joy and sharp curiosity. Her guardian, Susan, who acts with the wisdom of a child psychologist and frankness of an independent woman. Even complicated Lady Thornton is good-hearted, even if she has a hard time showing affection or understanding her privileged position in life.
I just loved both this book and its predecessor. I'm sorry to see them come to an end.
(and one more, Jane Entwistle shines as narrator)