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The Silver Sword
A moving account of a journey through war-torn Europe.
Alone and fending for themselves in a Poland devastated by war, Jan and his three homeless friends cling to the silver sword as a symbol of hope. As they travel through Europe towards Switzerland, where they believe they will be reunited with their parents, they encounter many hardships and dangers.
Alone and fending for themselves in a Poland devastated by war, Jan and his three homeless friends cling to the silver sword as a symbol of hope. As they travel through Europe towards Switzerland, where they believe they will be reunited with their parents, they encounter many hardships and dangers.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1956
327 people are currently reading
5823 people want to read
About the author
Ian Serraillier
86 books96 followersIan Serraillier was a British novelist and poet. He was also appreciated by children for being a storyteller retelling legends from Rome, Greece and England. Serraillier was best known for his children's books, especially The Silver Sword (1956), a wartime adventure story which was adapted for television by the BBC in 1957 and again in 1971.
He was born in London, the eldest of four children. His father died as a result of the 1918 flu pandemic when he was only six years old. He was educated at Brighton College, and took his degree at St Edmund Hall, Oxford and became an English teacher. He taught at Wycliffe College in Gloucestershire from 1936 to 1939; at Dudley Grammar School in Worcestershire from 1939 to 1946; and at Midhurst Grammar School in West Sussex from 1946 to 1961. As a Quaker, he was granted conscientious objector status in World War II.
In 1946 his first children’s novel was published. It was followed by several more adventure stories of treasure and spies. His best known work, The Silver Sword, was published in 1956 and has become a classic, bringing to life the story of four refugee children. Three of the children are siblings: Ruth, Edek and Bronia. Jan is another of the many Warsaw war orphans who somehow had met their father, and then fainted near the bombed out basement which served as home for the siblings, and was taken in by them. The four joined together in their search for the siblings' parents in the chaos of Europe immediately after the Second World War. In the United States the book was published under the title Escape from Warsaw.
As well as children’s novels and poetry, Serraillier produced his own retellings of classic tales in prose and verse, including Beowulf, Chaucer and Greek myths. Together with his wife, Anne Margaret Rogers, he founded the New Windmill Series in 1948, published by Heinemann Educational Books, which set out to provide inexpensive editions of good stories. He continued as co-editor of the series until the onset of Alzheimer's disease in the early 1990s. The illness finally contributed towards his death in November 1994 at the age of 82.
He was born in London, the eldest of four children. His father died as a result of the 1918 flu pandemic when he was only six years old. He was educated at Brighton College, and took his degree at St Edmund Hall, Oxford and became an English teacher. He taught at Wycliffe College in Gloucestershire from 1936 to 1939; at Dudley Grammar School in Worcestershire from 1939 to 1946; and at Midhurst Grammar School in West Sussex from 1946 to 1961. As a Quaker, he was granted conscientious objector status in World War II.
In 1946 his first children’s novel was published. It was followed by several more adventure stories of treasure and spies. His best known work, The Silver Sword, was published in 1956 and has become a classic, bringing to life the story of four refugee children. Three of the children are siblings: Ruth, Edek and Bronia. Jan is another of the many Warsaw war orphans who somehow had met their father, and then fainted near the bombed out basement which served as home for the siblings, and was taken in by them. The four joined together in their search for the siblings' parents in the chaos of Europe immediately after the Second World War. In the United States the book was published under the title Escape from Warsaw.
As well as children’s novels and poetry, Serraillier produced his own retellings of classic tales in prose and verse, including Beowulf, Chaucer and Greek myths. Together with his wife, Anne Margaret Rogers, he founded the New Windmill Series in 1948, published by Heinemann Educational Books, which set out to provide inexpensive editions of good stories. He continued as co-editor of the series until the onset of Alzheimer's disease in the early 1990s. The illness finally contributed towards his death in November 1994 at the age of 82.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 761 reviews
July 4, 2019
In this heartwarming mid 20th century classic, which I loved as a child, four brave Polish kids escape the horrors of the Nazi regime and embark on a perilous journey through war-torn Europe, finally to reach a Western country and be put in cages like the vermin they are. [Surely some mistake? - Ed.]
April 30, 2019
This is a wonderful book!
The novel tells the poignant story of a group of children’s search for their parents in World War II ravaged Europe. The story revolves around the siblings Ruth, Edek and Bronia, and their friend Jan – a resourceful but eccentric, street-smart kid.
The siblings had a happy life in with their family in Poland. But, one day the Nazis would come for them and their world would turn upside down. Somehow they would flee and learn to survive on the streets. Ruth, the elder sister, would take on the role of the mother.
More misfortune would follow. The siblings would get separated – Ruth would make a friendship with Jan, who would help with stuff he “managed’ to get. Ultimately, the siblings would reunite and together with Jan, they would embark on a journey towards Switzerland. There would be hardships, but there were many generous people, from all walks of life, who would help the children.
There is adventure, danger, tragedy and surprisingly a little bit of humor in the story. But, the most inspiring theme of the book is home. The silver sword, after which the novel is named, is nothing but a humble paperknife belonging to the siblings’ father. This would become a symbol of hope for the children.
The author has skillfully used themes such as family, friendship, kindness and his portrayal of human nature is commendable. He has deftly demonstrated how humans can act contrary to their nature under extreme circumstances, and how even “mature” kids try to make up for their lost childhood when they get the chance.
The book has a very happy ending. That’s the good news right!
The characters of the children had been taken from Red Cross records. However, they did not come from the same family, and unfortunately all of them did not get a happy ending in real life.
Anyway, I shall repeat myself. This is a short but a wonderful book. It is regarded as a YA novel, but can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Highly recommended!
February 2, 2011
I first read Ian Serraillier’s novel The Silver Sword when I was 12. All these years later I had vague memories of what the story was about, but very vivid memories of having loved it. We read it in school and so it wasn’t a book that I’d actually come across elsewhere. One day, while perusing the selection at Book Closeouts I came across the book and decided to order it. I wondered, after all these years, if it would stand up. Some childhood books do and some don’t.
The Silver Sword is the story of Polish siblings Ruth, Edek and Bronia. When the Nazis invade Warsaw in 1940 their father, Joseph, and mother, Margrit, are taken away leaving the children, then aged 13, 11 and 3, to fend for themselves. We hear a little bit about the father who manages to escape a couple years later and make his way back to Warsaw. There he encounters a young ruffian named Jan. It’s part luck and part contrivance that the children should meet up with Jan and together they set off for Switzerland in search of their parents.
I am sad to say that The Silver Sword wasn’t a magical experience the second time around. The story is simplistic, the characters are one-dimensional and the happy-ending is unrealistic. That said, it in no way diminishes my memories of what I loved about the book 30-odd years ago. Then the trials of these children: their hunt for safe places to sleep, finding food, trying to stay out of the way of the Nazis, searching for their parents, was both thrilling and heart-wrenching. I can only attribute my disappointment to the fact that I am older and jaded.
I think my children will love it as much as I did then.
The Silver Sword is the story of Polish siblings Ruth, Edek and Bronia. When the Nazis invade Warsaw in 1940 their father, Joseph, and mother, Margrit, are taken away leaving the children, then aged 13, 11 and 3, to fend for themselves. We hear a little bit about the father who manages to escape a couple years later and make his way back to Warsaw. There he encounters a young ruffian named Jan. It’s part luck and part contrivance that the children should meet up with Jan and together they set off for Switzerland in search of their parents.
I am sad to say that The Silver Sword wasn’t a magical experience the second time around. The story is simplistic, the characters are one-dimensional and the happy-ending is unrealistic. That said, it in no way diminishes my memories of what I loved about the book 30-odd years ago. Then the trials of these children: their hunt for safe places to sleep, finding food, trying to stay out of the way of the Nazis, searching for their parents, was both thrilling and heart-wrenching. I can only attribute my disappointment to the fact that I am older and jaded.
I think my children will love it as much as I did then.
September 27, 2019
A story crafted around real life examples. This novel tells the story of three Polish siblings (Ruth, Edek and Bronia) search for their parents, after their schoolmaster father is tossed in jail for hanging Hitler's picture facing the wall. He escapes from prison to find his house destroyed by fire and his family gone, and meets a streetwise orphan, named Jan. Ruth manages to find shelter, becoming a "mother" to her siblings, and they decide to go to Switzerland to find their remaining relatives, crossing Poland and Germany along the way. Jan joins them on their quest, helping them survive in a world gone mad, even as the family is separated and reunited along the way. Along the way, they are assisted by generous, caring people: soldiers, farmers, etc.
No idea why Scholastic changed the perfectly apt title of The Silver Sword, which was a family heirloom and symbol of hope for the wayward children. Maybe 3.5 stars.
No idea why Scholastic changed the perfectly apt title of The Silver Sword, which was a family heirloom and symbol of hope for the wayward children. Maybe 3.5 stars.
July 11, 2025
This was recommended to me by my librarian colleagues who had read it in school and loved it. I never came across it in my childhood – it was translated to Polish only about a decade ago. WW2-related literature in the school of my childhood was all home-made and nowhere near as gentle. My generation was made to relive the traumas of our grandparents.
Storytelling is probably not the strongest aspect of this book. There’s no craftily built suspense, and the language is lacking any frills. But the subject matter alone is undoubtedly intense, even though edited for the eyes and ears of a young sensitive reader.
I was quite touched by the reference to the Warsaw Uprising and the manner in which it had been first encouraged and then abandoned by the Allies, in particular by the Soviet Red Army. It was strange to read about it in this 1956 book for children, remembering that in my early school age (late 1980s) this knowledge was still being suppressed in Poland.
Overall, I think it’s a good book for introducing schoolchildren to the subject of war in Europe. Not too drastic, but not overly censored either – probably still acceptable for our contemporary sensitivity.
Storytelling is probably not the strongest aspect of this book. There’s no craftily built suspense, and the language is lacking any frills. But the subject matter alone is undoubtedly intense, even though edited for the eyes and ears of a young sensitive reader.
I was quite touched by the reference to the Warsaw Uprising and the manner in which it had been first encouraged and then abandoned by the Allies, in particular by the Soviet Red Army. It was strange to read about it in this 1956 book for children, remembering that in my early school age (late 1980s) this knowledge was still being suppressed in Poland.
Overall, I think it’s a good book for introducing schoolchildren to the subject of war in Europe. Not too drastic, but not overly censored either – probably still acceptable for our contemporary sensitivity.
July 20, 2011
The Silver Sword is the story of the Balicki family, Joseph and his Swiss wife Margrit and his daughter Ruth, 13, and Bronia, 3, and son, Edek, 11. In 1940, they are living in a Warsaw suburb in Poland during the Nazi occupation of that country, where Joseph is the headmaster in a primary school.
One day while teaching, Joseph turns a picture of Hitler so it faced the wall. His action is reported to the Nazi authorities by a student. Joseph is arrested and sent to a prison camp in Zakyna. He spends two years in the prison camp, ill but determined to escape, which he finally does manage to accomplish. Joseph spends 4½ weeks walking back to Warsaw, but when he arrives he discovers that his house has been destroyed, his wife has been arrested and sent to a work camp in Germany, and his children have survived but are no where to be found.
At the ruins of his home, Joseph finds a silver letter opener in the shape of a small sword. He also meets a young boy there carrying a wood box. Eventually he befriends the boy, Jan, who shows Joseph how and where to safely jump a train to Switzerland. Before he leaves, he gives the silver sword/letter opener to Jan and asks him to tell his children, should he run into them, that their father has gone to their grandparents in Switzerland to find their mother, and to follow him there. Jan puts the sword in his wooden box for safekeeping.
When their mother was arrested, Edek had secretly shot at one of the officers with a rifle, hitting him in the arm. Scared, the children decided to run away that night, over the rooftops of the adjoining buildings and just in the nick of time. As the children are running away, their house explodes – Nazi retaliation for the rifle shot. The children hide in a wood, surviving on the kindness of peasants and on Edek’s ability to smuggle. But one day Edek is caught and arrested. They hear nothing about him for two years, continuing to survive in the woods in summer and in Warsaw in winter.
In the summer of 1944, Ruth, now 15, and Bronia, now 5, hear that the Russians are pushing westward and are not far from Warsaw. This rumor turns out to be true and by January 1945, the Nazis are gone from Warsaw, but because of the fighting to regain it, so is Warsaw. At their former home, they find a very ill Jan. They nurse him back to health and are helped to survive by a kind Russian soldier, who also traces the whereabouts of Edek in Posen. But when they arrived in Posen, they learned Edek has TB and is in isolation. At the makeshift hospital for TB patients, they are told that he has just run away. Tired and hungry, they go to a refugee camp for food and rest, but when a brawl breaks out, the hand the pulls Ruth away from the fray is that of Edek. Together, the four children begin their journey to Switzerland in earnest by first taking a train to Berlin. By now, it is May, 1945 and the war over in Europe.
Their journey to Switzerland takes Ruth, Edek, Bronia and Jan isn’t easy. Edek’s TB gets progressively worse. Then Edek and Jan are caught stealing from the American troops in Germany, and Jan must do a week of detention. The children are taken in and cared for by a kindly farmer and his wife, but when they hear that all Polish people will be sent back to Poland, they are forced to make a middle of the night escape in some old canoes the farmer owns. All through their journey, the silver sword has been an inspiration to carry on and find their parents. But in their hasty escape, the silver sword gets left behind at the farm. It was their talisman and as long as they had it, they had good luck overcoming the obstacles they faced. Now it seems that their luck has run out. The canoe trip, which should have been easy, is not without hazards: Ruth and Bronia are shot at and one of the other canoes is destroyed. Later, they face a terrible storm while crossing Lake Constance, located in both Germany and Switzerland. Will they ever be reunited with their parents without the sword?
At the heart of this novel stands is the idea of family. The Balicki’s are is a warm, loving, supportive family, reason enough to motivate the children to find their parents. And the reason that the homeless, parentless Jan decides to stick with them. Like many people who lived through the war, the children find strength in themselves to endure, discovering that they can deal with all kinds of difficulties and hardships.
Throughout the novel, Serraillier juxtaposes the hatred and destructive nature of Nazism and the people who supported it against the kind and helpful people who rejected it, people who were willing to take a chance, even risking of arrest and death, to help the children
The Silver Sword was published in the United States under the name Escape from Warsaw, and is still available from Scholastic by that name. I prefer the original name, The Silver Sword since it has so much meaning the central characters in the story.
Although the novel was published in 1956, it remains a very exciting adventure for young readers and I highly recommend it.
The book is recommended from readers aged 12 and up.
This book was borrowed from the Juvenile Collection of the Hunter College Library.
One day while teaching, Joseph turns a picture of Hitler so it faced the wall. His action is reported to the Nazi authorities by a student. Joseph is arrested and sent to a prison camp in Zakyna. He spends two years in the prison camp, ill but determined to escape, which he finally does manage to accomplish. Joseph spends 4½ weeks walking back to Warsaw, but when he arrives he discovers that his house has been destroyed, his wife has been arrested and sent to a work camp in Germany, and his children have survived but are no where to be found.
At the ruins of his home, Joseph finds a silver letter opener in the shape of a small sword. He also meets a young boy there carrying a wood box. Eventually he befriends the boy, Jan, who shows Joseph how and where to safely jump a train to Switzerland. Before he leaves, he gives the silver sword/letter opener to Jan and asks him to tell his children, should he run into them, that their father has gone to their grandparents in Switzerland to find their mother, and to follow him there. Jan puts the sword in his wooden box for safekeeping.
When their mother was arrested, Edek had secretly shot at one of the officers with a rifle, hitting him in the arm. Scared, the children decided to run away that night, over the rooftops of the adjoining buildings and just in the nick of time. As the children are running away, their house explodes – Nazi retaliation for the rifle shot. The children hide in a wood, surviving on the kindness of peasants and on Edek’s ability to smuggle. But one day Edek is caught and arrested. They hear nothing about him for two years, continuing to survive in the woods in summer and in Warsaw in winter.
In the summer of 1944, Ruth, now 15, and Bronia, now 5, hear that the Russians are pushing westward and are not far from Warsaw. This rumor turns out to be true and by January 1945, the Nazis are gone from Warsaw, but because of the fighting to regain it, so is Warsaw. At their former home, they find a very ill Jan. They nurse him back to health and are helped to survive by a kind Russian soldier, who also traces the whereabouts of Edek in Posen. But when they arrived in Posen, they learned Edek has TB and is in isolation. At the makeshift hospital for TB patients, they are told that he has just run away. Tired and hungry, they go to a refugee camp for food and rest, but when a brawl breaks out, the hand the pulls Ruth away from the fray is that of Edek. Together, the four children begin their journey to Switzerland in earnest by first taking a train to Berlin. By now, it is May, 1945 and the war over in Europe.
Their journey to Switzerland takes Ruth, Edek, Bronia and Jan isn’t easy. Edek’s TB gets progressively worse. Then Edek and Jan are caught stealing from the American troops in Germany, and Jan must do a week of detention. The children are taken in and cared for by a kindly farmer and his wife, but when they hear that all Polish people will be sent back to Poland, they are forced to make a middle of the night escape in some old canoes the farmer owns. All through their journey, the silver sword has been an inspiration to carry on and find their parents. But in their hasty escape, the silver sword gets left behind at the farm. It was their talisman and as long as they had it, they had good luck overcoming the obstacles they faced. Now it seems that their luck has run out. The canoe trip, which should have been easy, is not without hazards: Ruth and Bronia are shot at and one of the other canoes is destroyed. Later, they face a terrible storm while crossing Lake Constance, located in both Germany and Switzerland. Will they ever be reunited with their parents without the sword?
At the heart of this novel stands is the idea of family. The Balicki’s are is a warm, loving, supportive family, reason enough to motivate the children to find their parents. And the reason that the homeless, parentless Jan decides to stick with them. Like many people who lived through the war, the children find strength in themselves to endure, discovering that they can deal with all kinds of difficulties and hardships.
Throughout the novel, Serraillier juxtaposes the hatred and destructive nature of Nazism and the people who supported it against the kind and helpful people who rejected it, people who were willing to take a chance, even risking of arrest and death, to help the children
The Silver Sword was published in the United States under the name Escape from Warsaw, and is still available from Scholastic by that name. I prefer the original name, The Silver Sword since it has so much meaning the central characters in the story.
Although the novel was published in 1956, it remains a very exciting adventure for young readers and I highly recommend it.
The book is recommended from readers aged 12 and up.
This book was borrowed from the Juvenile Collection of the Hunter College Library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2025
الواحد لما بيشوف القصص دي مش بيصدق إن كل الدمار اللي حصل وملايين الناس اللي ماتوا واتشردوا والأطفال الأيتام.. كل ده حصل وانتهى والحال اتغير تماما في أقل من ١٠٠ سنة...
"وتلك الأيام نداولها بين الناس"
تدور احداث القصة أثناء الحرب العالمية الثانية، اسرة بولندية يسجن الأب وتؤخذ الأم بعيدا عن اطفالها ويعاني الأطفال بمفردهم، ثم تبدا رحلتهم للبحث عن والديهم بمساعدة صبي صغير قابل والدهم بعد هروبه من السجن.
"وتلك الأيام نداولها بين الناس"
تدور احداث القصة أثناء الحرب العالمية الثانية، اسرة بولندية يسجن الأب وتؤخذ الأم بعيدا عن اطفالها ويعاني الأطفال بمفردهم، ثم تبدا رحلتهم للبحث عن والديهم بمساعدة صبي صغير قابل والدهم بعد هروبه من السجن.
September 9, 2020
A no-frills, beautifully realised tale of courage, simply and sympathetically narrated. Definitely time for a reissue.
September 16, 2011
The Silver Sword is an epic tale of a family who were separated when the Nazi’s invaded Poland in 1940. The story centres on the Balicki family, who consisted of the mother Margrit, the father Joseph and their 3 young children; Ruth, Bronia and Edek. With their father taken to a prison camp and their mother captured as a slave, the three children were left to fend for them self in a country ravaged by the Nazis.
The name of the book, ‘The Silver Sword’ is significant, as this sword belonged to Joseph, the father of the Balicki children and throughout the book it is a constant beacon of hope in a story so heart wrenching. Upon escaping from the prison camp, Joseph meets a ragged young boy called Jan and gives Jan the sword instructing him that if he ever encounters his children to send them towards the safety of their grandparents home in Switzerland.
While the three young children struggle, things go from bad to worse as Edek; the Balicki brother is arrested for smuggling. With the girls on their own they return to the remains of their former home were they meet Jan, the young boy with the silver sword. Jan at this stage is gravely ill with TB, however his encounter with the girl’s father ensure they take him to a refugee camp were they are reunited with their brother Edek after a chance meeting. Inspired by the silver sword, the four children embark on an emotional journey towards Switzerland desperate to be reunited with their parents after an arduous journey of 5 years.
I read this story as a 9 year old child and loved it, reading it again has made me remember why I loved it. Not only is the story informative giving children an insight into war literature and making them aware of specific events such as the Nazi invasion of Europe, the selection of characters are fantastic as it keeps the reader embroiled in their plight. The inclusion of cheeky, likeable characters such as Edek and Jan along with compassionate souls like Ruth really has the reader championing the kids all the way to the haven that is Switzerland. An excellent read for children from year 5 and upwards.
The name of the book, ‘The Silver Sword’ is significant, as this sword belonged to Joseph, the father of the Balicki children and throughout the book it is a constant beacon of hope in a story so heart wrenching. Upon escaping from the prison camp, Joseph meets a ragged young boy called Jan and gives Jan the sword instructing him that if he ever encounters his children to send them towards the safety of their grandparents home in Switzerland.
While the three young children struggle, things go from bad to worse as Edek; the Balicki brother is arrested for smuggling. With the girls on their own they return to the remains of their former home were they meet Jan, the young boy with the silver sword. Jan at this stage is gravely ill with TB, however his encounter with the girl’s father ensure they take him to a refugee camp were they are reunited with their brother Edek after a chance meeting. Inspired by the silver sword, the four children embark on an emotional journey towards Switzerland desperate to be reunited with their parents after an arduous journey of 5 years.
I read this story as a 9 year old child and loved it, reading it again has made me remember why I loved it. Not only is the story informative giving children an insight into war literature and making them aware of specific events such as the Nazi invasion of Europe, the selection of characters are fantastic as it keeps the reader embroiled in their plight. The inclusion of cheeky, likeable characters such as Edek and Jan along with compassionate souls like Ruth really has the reader championing the kids all the way to the haven that is Switzerland. An excellent read for children from year 5 and upwards.
March 30, 2018
Escape from Warsaw by Ian Serraillier, originally titled The Silver Sword, is the adventure story of a family which was separated during the war. Their father protests Nazi Germany’s tyranny and is taken to a prison camp which he later escapes from. Their mother is taken away to work for the Nazis. This leaves Ruth, Edek, and little Bronia alone, trying to survive in a hostile land.
Though based on true events, the characters were made up for the purposes of this story. It was quite interesting - though very unbelievable! I just can’t believe all these things really happened … but I guess they did! Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.
Jan was my favorite character. He was such a funny little guy. His pets were funny, too. I felt bad for him … he must have had a terrible childhood!
Though based on true events, the characters were made up for the purposes of this story. It was quite interesting - though very unbelievable! I just can’t believe all these things really happened … but I guess they did! Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.
Jan was my favorite character. He was such a funny little guy. His pets were funny, too. I felt bad for him … he must have had a terrible childhood!
December 30, 2025
World War II is over. Three siblings---Ruth, Bronia, and Edek---along with their new friend, Jan, are on their way to Switzerland to find their father. The home of the three siblings in Poland has been destroyed by the war, and their mother and father were both taken away by the Germans. Jan has been orphaned and is living on the streets, making his way by hook or crook.
It's a story of adventure, of making their way on foot, scrounging for a place to stay in a barn or with a kind family, searching for food. It's a story with much to say about the right and wrong things to do, a story that would be excellent for discussion with children. Is it right or wrong to steal food when you are starving? And what if you are stealing from food that is marked for your own hungry people? Are all German soldiers wicked? What about the Russian ones?
It's based on true stories of children after the war, and these are stories children of today probably haven't heard. How do mere children survive a long trek?
A 1001 Children's Book You Must Read Before You Grow Up.
It's a story of adventure, of making their way on foot, scrounging for a place to stay in a barn or with a kind family, searching for food. It's a story with much to say about the right and wrong things to do, a story that would be excellent for discussion with children. Is it right or wrong to steal food when you are starving? And what if you are stealing from food that is marked for your own hungry people? Are all German soldiers wicked? What about the Russian ones?
It's based on true stories of children after the war, and these are stories children of today probably haven't heard. How do mere children survive a long trek?
A 1001 Children's Book You Must Read Before You Grow Up.
July 13, 2017
Based on a true story, this novel is the story of four children travelling through war-ravaged Europe during World War Two.
I first read this novel while I was in secondary school and I recently found it again in a box of old books when I was cleaning out my attic. I remembered loving it back when I was 13 but I didn't remember much of the plot so I decided to re-read the novel.
The characters are all well developed from the children themselves to the various characters they meet on their journey. The plot in gripping and harrowing and gives you a real sense of how war can effect even the youngest, most innocent of children in such an extreme way.
Four stars!
I first read this novel while I was in secondary school and I recently found it again in a box of old books when I was cleaning out my attic. I remembered loving it back when I was 13 but I didn't remember much of the plot so I decided to re-read the novel.
The characters are all well developed from the children themselves to the various characters they meet on their journey. The plot in gripping and harrowing and gives you a real sense of how war can effect even the youngest, most innocent of children in such an extreme way.
Four stars!
September 26, 2011
Definitely a classic. A fast moving and personal account of Polish children searching for their parents who had been taken from them in World War II. In my opinion it's a more engaging read than I Am David.
January 16, 2023
This is a wonderful book, poignantly telling a harrowing story of war, survival and endurance. The story flows well and each chapter draws you in, building a deep connection to the characters within the book. Knowing it’s not entirely fictional makes it even more compelling to read and the author captures the era and it’s challenges perfectly in this book. I would recommend reading this at some point in your life!
March 9, 2022
This book is written from the Polish children's prospective and is about how a family is separated by war. The 3 children find a boy, Jan who has met their father and gives him the little pocket knife as proof. Together they must make their way to Switzerland to find their father.
June 4, 2024
Really really easy read but heart warming story ! (Playing catch up with my goal)
July 9, 2022
This book was exactly like if Enid Blyton had written about World War II. The opening chapters describe how the father, Joseph Balicki, escapes from a concentration camp (where the prisoners get butter and jam once a week, and spend their days "loafing about, playing chess, sewing, reading" -- wtf). He makes himself a catapult with which he knocks out a guard, and uses a hook and line to drag the guard and his keys to the door of his solitary cell, before stealing a uniform and just strolling out of the front gates like it's that easy.
Meanwhile, back in Warsaw, Joseph's wife and children are woken up in the middle of the night by Nazis. The mother is taken away for forced labour, and so her 12-year-old son Edek shoots at the Nazis from his window with a rifle, hitting one in the arm, and also bursting one of the tyres of their van. Then "with the butt of his rifle he broke down the door" and frees his sisters (because they were all locked in their rooms for some reason?), before the Nazis return to blow up their house in retaliation instead of just sending the children to a labour camp as well, which would have been far less expensive than wasting explosives...
So then the kids, even though both their parents have now been taken away and their house blown up, have this wonderful adventure where they find an abandoned cellar to live in. They steal curtains and a mattress, and Edek makes furniture and even builds an internal wall so they can have two rooms. Ruth, who is 14, isn't content with playing house, and so she sets up a school in the cellar -- "soon she had a mob of urchins outside the cellar window begging to be allowed to join the school." They read and play games in the fresh air like they haven't a care in the world! Edek makes sure they have everything they could possibly need! In the summer the Balicki children move out into the woods surrounding Warsaw where they live under a tree in a shelter Edek makes. It's so bizarrely idyllic, and then Edek gets caught smuggling and the book matter-of-factly states that "Two years passed without any news of Edek." JUST LIKE THAT.
Of course, the children are never anxious or scared or sad: "Edek was always cheerful -- because he was always busy." (I feel like this is supposed to be a moral lesson...) When they return to their cellar to find it looted, "Patiently and without despair Ruth set to work to repair the damage." It's bland and boring af because there's no sense of struggle. The entire book is basically a series of unconnected adventures (kayaking! sleeping in hay barns! looting trains!) as these pathologically jolly children make their way across war-torn Europe in late 1944 through to the spring of 1945.
Oh, and there's also a ridiculous chapter told from the POV of a British officer writing a letter home to his wife, about an incident involving a nicotine-addicted chimpanzee. At the end of his letter, the officer waxes lyrical about the children, saying of Ruth: "She's a remarkable girl, quiet and self-assured, with the most striking eyes -- they have a deep serenity, a sense of purpose and moral authority quite unmistakable." Who says something like that about a stranger they only met briefly? (The officer also muses how he would've liked to have adopted the youngest child. I'm sure his wife felt immensely comforted by this letter.)
Meanwhile, back in Warsaw, Joseph's wife and children are woken up in the middle of the night by Nazis. The mother is taken away for forced labour, and so her 12-year-old son Edek shoots at the Nazis from his window with a rifle, hitting one in the arm, and also bursting one of the tyres of their van. Then "with the butt of his rifle he broke down the door" and frees his sisters (because they were all locked in their rooms for some reason?), before the Nazis return to blow up their house in retaliation instead of just sending the children to a labour camp as well, which would have been far less expensive than wasting explosives...
So then the kids, even though both their parents have now been taken away and their house blown up, have this wonderful adventure where they find an abandoned cellar to live in. They steal curtains and a mattress, and Edek makes furniture and even builds an internal wall so they can have two rooms. Ruth, who is 14, isn't content with playing house, and so she sets up a school in the cellar -- "soon she had a mob of urchins outside the cellar window begging to be allowed to join the school." They read and play games in the fresh air like they haven't a care in the world! Edek makes sure they have everything they could possibly need! In the summer the Balicki children move out into the woods surrounding Warsaw where they live under a tree in a shelter Edek makes. It's so bizarrely idyllic, and then Edek gets caught smuggling and the book matter-of-factly states that "Two years passed without any news of Edek." JUST LIKE THAT.
Of course, the children are never anxious or scared or sad: "Edek was always cheerful -- because he was always busy." (I feel like this is supposed to be a moral lesson...) When they return to their cellar to find it looted, "Patiently and without despair Ruth set to work to repair the damage." It's bland and boring af because there's no sense of struggle. The entire book is basically a series of unconnected adventures (kayaking! sleeping in hay barns! looting trains!) as these pathologically jolly children make their way across war-torn Europe in late 1944 through to the spring of 1945.
Oh, and there's also a ridiculous chapter told from the POV of a British officer writing a letter home to his wife, about an incident involving a nicotine-addicted chimpanzee. At the end of his letter, the officer waxes lyrical about the children, saying of Ruth: "She's a remarkable girl, quiet and self-assured, with the most striking eyes -- they have a deep serenity, a sense of purpose and moral authority quite unmistakable." Who says something like that about a stranger they only met briefly? (The officer also muses how he would've liked to have adopted the youngest child. I'm sure his wife felt immensely comforted by this letter.)
January 14, 2021
Revisiting a childhood favourite that is as good as an adult as it was as a child. I first read this when I was about 8 and again as a school text when I was 11 and the story has really stayed with me. Four children try to survive in war torn Warsaw and then make their way across Europe in search of their family. Heart wrenching, full of adventures of twists and turns and educational as to the effects of war on countries, landscapes and individuals. Amazing book
March 2, 2019
3.5 stars.
Full thoughts here (and yes, this is really my Escape from Warsaw review but the British title is The Silver Sword and I like that way better):
https://iamcharlesbakerharris.wordpre...
Full thoughts here (and yes, this is really my Escape from Warsaw review but the British title is The Silver Sword and I like that way better):
https://iamcharlesbakerharris.wordpre...
August 27, 2021
4.5 stars. A wonderful story that kept us on the edge of our seats! I would have completely loved it if faith in God instead of essentially a lucky sword was what carried the children through their perilous journey. As it was, it was a compelling and clean read with wonderful characters.
September 3, 2011
See my review on my book blog: http://quirkyreader.livejournal.com/1...
May 18, 2013
I bought The Silver Sword on my dad's recommendation, after he mentioned he'd read it many years ago in Secondary school. It made a lasting impression on him, and is a book he'll remember reading for the rest of his life.
To a child, this book and its story would be both horrifying and fascinating. It's a simple, short look at a family ravaged by war, and the lengths they'll go to to be reunited. It was first published in 1956, and because of this, it's very different to contemporary fiction. It moves at a much faster pace, and omits any superfluous description or dialogue, which results in a very quick read. Readers of Morris Gleitzman's books Once and Then will find some similarities in the narrative, and are perhaps the best examples of a similar reading level.
I warmed to the Balicki family very quickly, and followed their journey with bated breath. I find that nothing is more devastating than thinking of children caught up in the Second World War, and stories about such things never fail to strike a chord with me. Ruth, Edek, Bronia and Jan are all shining examples of stubborn, headstrong children, with an astounding amount of bravery and a belief that they'll find their missing parents.
Serraillier chose to focus more on the children's journey, which isn't as perilous as it could have been given that a war was raging througout Europe. His story isn't as shocking as other war fiction I've read, which does mean that the more interesting side of the history is often glossed over. It's perfectly understandable, as this is a book for younger readers, who shouldn't be well-versed in the true horrors of war until they can handle it.
Published just eleven years after the end of the war, The Silver Sword was ahead of its time, and was used for both educational and recreational purposes. As a war text, it's not the most informative, but as a story about what it was like to be a child and survive, it's a veritable source of accuracy. I think it's a book that will be read for years to come, and although it's not one often mentioned, I don't think it'll ever be forgotten.
3.5/5
To a child, this book and its story would be both horrifying and fascinating. It's a simple, short look at a family ravaged by war, and the lengths they'll go to to be reunited. It was first published in 1956, and because of this, it's very different to contemporary fiction. It moves at a much faster pace, and omits any superfluous description or dialogue, which results in a very quick read. Readers of Morris Gleitzman's books Once and Then will find some similarities in the narrative, and are perhaps the best examples of a similar reading level.
I warmed to the Balicki family very quickly, and followed their journey with bated breath. I find that nothing is more devastating than thinking of children caught up in the Second World War, and stories about such things never fail to strike a chord with me. Ruth, Edek, Bronia and Jan are all shining examples of stubborn, headstrong children, with an astounding amount of bravery and a belief that they'll find their missing parents.
Serraillier chose to focus more on the children's journey, which isn't as perilous as it could have been given that a war was raging througout Europe. His story isn't as shocking as other war fiction I've read, which does mean that the more interesting side of the history is often glossed over. It's perfectly understandable, as this is a book for younger readers, who shouldn't be well-versed in the true horrors of war until they can handle it.
Published just eleven years after the end of the war, The Silver Sword was ahead of its time, and was used for both educational and recreational purposes. As a war text, it's not the most informative, but as a story about what it was like to be a child and survive, it's a veritable source of accuracy. I think it's a book that will be read for years to come, and although it's not one often mentioned, I don't think it'll ever be forgotten.
3.5/5
April 29, 2013
A historical novel set in war-torn Europe; this is the story of three Polish children, Ruth, Edek and Bronia, who have been separated from their parents in Warsaw. The last they saw of their father was when he was taken away and imprisoned by German soldiers. Their Swiss mother was also captured and sent to a labour camp in Germany. Amongst the rubble of Warsaw they meet an orphan boy called Jan who possesses a small silver sword. The three children recognise the sword as once belonging to their father. Jan informs them that it must have been their father (who had escaped from prison and returned to Warsaw) that he met two years earlier. He tells the children that their father had decided to go to Switzerland. Together with Jan, the three children also decide to find their way to Switzerland. They begin a hazardous journey across Poland and Germany in search of their Parents.
I enjoy historical adventure stories, especially if they are set during a significant period of twentieth-century history such as world war two. As my PWR is history, a book such as The Silver Sword will always appeal to me. I remember enjoying this book as a Year 4 pupil and have never forgotten the struggles that these children endured to be reunited with their Parents. This book is appropriate for children aged from 9 upwards and would be a good introduction to the Second World War as well as for independent reading.
I enjoy historical adventure stories, especially if they are set during a significant period of twentieth-century history such as world war two. As my PWR is history, a book such as The Silver Sword will always appeal to me. I remember enjoying this book as a Year 4 pupil and have never forgotten the struggles that these children endured to be reunited with their Parents. This book is appropriate for children aged from 9 upwards and would be a good introduction to the Second World War as well as for independent reading.
April 17, 2018
This one will always have special memories for me because I remember my Mom reading aloud to me. But aside from my fond memories, it is simply a wonderful story and just as good the second time around. This book is a great introduction to younger readers about the hardships and loss of WW2 without introducing all the fine details on all the horrors and violence. A story of the every-day heroism of people trying to piece their lives back together in the middle of devastation, this author perfectly captured one of the strengths of humanity, the ability to keep on going, to retain love, humor and strength in the midst of defeat. Better in many ways, then the perfectly happy ending, I loved that the author still left the reader with some hard things to digest and dealt honestly with his characters. The children had found their hearts desire in being with their family again, but what they went through left scars. The scars would be there forever, but they were also a testament to their strength, their will to live, and God’s grace.
Mini review from my blog: http://allisonswell.website/2018/04/1...
Mini review from my blog: http://allisonswell.website/2018/04/1...
June 24, 2012
I absolutly loved this book. I couldn't put it down, even when I was supposed to be doing my chores. Oh well. Anyway this story was originally called The Silver Sword and if you read this book you will find out why. I loved how these three children and a friend make thier way to Switzerland from Warsaw just to get back to their family, but also keep in mind that there is also a war raging on. Wow can you imagine. This is in a way kind of like the european version of the underground railroad if you think real hard about it.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good action packed, edge-of-the-seat read, and about bravery, courage, trust, and always reaching your goal in life no matter the hardships.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good action packed, edge-of-the-seat read, and about bravery, courage, trust, and always reaching your goal in life no matter the hardships.
February 15, 2009
I never read this book as a child. It's a great story, a mix of adventure, history, the rudeness and the amazing serendipity of life and the beautiful people you meet along the way. The portrayal of the family bond was comforting.
February 6, 2019
I honestly read this book so that I could pass it on - its cover is downright atrocious.
Unfortunately - I liked it.
Totally strange and somewhat jilted writing style, surprisingly good story. (BUT SO MEAN TO THE CHARACTERS. WHY. I mean, realism, but...)
Unfortunately - I liked it.
Totally strange and somewhat jilted writing style, surprisingly good story. (BUT SO MEAN TO THE CHARACTERS. WHY. I mean, realism, but...)
October 29, 2021
I discovered The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier by accident as it was listed as potential reads in the back of another book I'd enjoyed. (I can't remember what book that was, mind you.. lol) Serraillier initially wrote the book in 1956. According to the write-up it took him 5 years to write it as he was also busy as a school teacher and helping raise 4 children during this time.
So, the book. It is set during WWII and just after the end of it. It starts in war-torn Poland and over the course of the story, moves across Poland, through Germany and ends in Switzerland. The story focuses on a brother and his two sisters. Ruth (the oldest), Edek (middle child / brother) and Bronja (5 year old daughter). It also follows Jan, a young fellow, Edek's age, no family and a self-sufficient grifter who lives on the streets of Warsaw and ends up sticking with the other three.
The story is their journey across war-torn Europe trying to reunite with their father and mother in Switzerland. It's a fascinating journey filled with bravery by this group of children. They show great ingenuity as they find themselves in situation after situation and manage to continue on their journey. So many things happen as they go through the various zones that Europe is divided into; Russian, British and American.
It's a wonderful story with fascinating encounters with soldiers from all countries, with friendly citizens who help them along their way. There are so many events that split them apart and bring them back together. The story moves along at a steady pace and it reads so very well. Great characters, a great adventurous story and even a portrayal of history that I wasn't aware of. Excellent book. (4.5 stars)
So, the book. It is set during WWII and just after the end of it. It starts in war-torn Poland and over the course of the story, moves across Poland, through Germany and ends in Switzerland. The story focuses on a brother and his two sisters. Ruth (the oldest), Edek (middle child / brother) and Bronja (5 year old daughter). It also follows Jan, a young fellow, Edek's age, no family and a self-sufficient grifter who lives on the streets of Warsaw and ends up sticking with the other three.
The story is their journey across war-torn Europe trying to reunite with their father and mother in Switzerland. It's a fascinating journey filled with bravery by this group of children. They show great ingenuity as they find themselves in situation after situation and manage to continue on their journey. So many things happen as they go through the various zones that Europe is divided into; Russian, British and American.
It's a wonderful story with fascinating encounters with soldiers from all countries, with friendly citizens who help them along their way. There are so many events that split them apart and bring them back together. The story moves along at a steady pace and it reads so very well. Great characters, a great adventurous story and even a portrayal of history that I wasn't aware of. Excellent book. (4.5 stars)
October 14, 2025
I loved this book as a child and read and reread it. When I picked it up last week, after twenty years, I was astonished at how much I had forgotten. When I got to the rooster--oh, yes, I remember the rooster...and later the chimpanzee...the jeep...the nail on the crate...
Such plucky children.
Such plucky children.
December 25, 2021
Reminded of this gem by my brother receiving it for Christmas. Written as a children's book but one of the most moving stories I read in Key Stage 2...give it a go, you'll finish it within a couple of days :D
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