The War I Finally Won

This compelling historical fiction novel continues Ada's story from 'The War That Saved My Life,' following her as she recovers from clubfoot surgery and grapples with her identity. Set in rural England during World War II, Ada, her brother Jamie, and their guardian Susan welcome a German Jewish refugee, Ruth, into their crowded cottage. The book explores themes of prejudice, found family, resilience, and the moral complexities of wartime. It's a powerful narrative about overcoming past trauma, finding belonging, and defining oneself amidst external chaos and internal struggles.

When Ada's clubfoot is surgically fixed at last, she knows for certain that she's not what her mother said she was--damaged, deranged, crippled mentally as well as physically. She's not a daughter anymore, either. What is she? World War II continues, and Ada and her brother, Jamie, are living with their loving legal guardian, Susan, in a borrowed cottage on the estate of the formidable Lady Thorton--along with Lady Thorton herself and her daughter, Maggie. Life in the crowded cottage is tense enough, and then, quite suddenly, Ruth, a Jewish girl from Germany, moves in. A German? The occupants of the house are horrified. But other impacts of the war become far more frightening. As death creeps closer to their door, life and morality during wartime grow more complex. Who is Ada now? How can she keep fighting? And who will she struggle to save?