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The Night War
A middle grade novel set in World War II France, at the Chateau de Chenonceau, where a Jewish girl who has lost everything but her life must decide whether to risk even that to bring others to freedom.
“We don’t choose how we feel, but we choose how we act.”
It’s 1942. German Nazis occupy much of France. And twelve-year-old Miriam, who is Jewish, is not safe. With help and quick thinking, Miri is saved from the roundup that takes her entire Jewish neighborhood. She escapes Paris, landing in a small French village, where the spires of the famous Chateau de Chenonceau rise high into the sky, its bridge across the River Cher like a promise, a fairy tale.
But Miri’s life is no fairy tale. Her parents are gone – maybe alive, maybe not. Taken in at the boarding school near the chateau, pretending to be Catholic to escape Nazi capture, Miri is called upon one night to undertake a deadly task, one that spans the castle grounds, its bridge, and the very border to freedom. Here is her chance to escape – hopefully to find her parents. But will she take it? One thing is certain: The person Miri meets that night will save her life. And the person Miri becomes that night could save the lives of many more.
“We don’t choose how we feel, but we choose how we act.”
It’s 1942. German Nazis occupy much of France. And twelve-year-old Miriam, who is Jewish, is not safe. With help and quick thinking, Miri is saved from the roundup that takes her entire Jewish neighborhood. She escapes Paris, landing in a small French village, where the spires of the famous Chateau de Chenonceau rise high into the sky, its bridge across the River Cher like a promise, a fairy tale.
But Miri’s life is no fairy tale. Her parents are gone – maybe alive, maybe not. Taken in at the boarding school near the chateau, pretending to be Catholic to escape Nazi capture, Miri is called upon one night to undertake a deadly task, one that spans the castle grounds, its bridge, and the very border to freedom. Here is her chance to escape – hopefully to find her parents. But will she take it? One thing is certain: The person Miri meets that night will save her life. And the person Miri becomes that night could save the lives of many more.
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2024
81 people are currently reading
7638 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
27 books2,856 followersKimberly Brubaker Bradley's next book, The Night War, will be published April 9, 2024. She is the author of nineteen previous books, including the Newbery Honor winners Fighting Words and The War that Saved My Life. The sequel to the latter, The War I Finally Won, appeared on many state-award and best-books lists and was described as “stunning” by The Washington Post and “honest” and “daring” by The New York Times. She is also the acclaimed author of She Persisted: Rosalind Franklin. Kimberly and her husband have two grown children and live with their dogs, two highly opinionated mares, and a surplus of cats on a fifty-two-acre farm in Bristol, Tennessee. Visit her at kimberlybrubakerbradley.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 599 reviews
April 26, 2024
I’ve been struggling to find the right books to read that will fit my moods but this book worked great for me. I had a hard time putting down this book and was almost always eager to pick it up when I had time to read. I read it over 3 days in only about 48 hours.
At the approximate 2/3 mark though
I did guess one thing early on, that
I did think that one thing she did was (sort of) out of character.
It does get painfully suspenseful.
I really liked Miri/Marie. I admire her bravery and kindness and intelligence and maturity and understood her guilty feelings, however misplaced.
I also really liked
I was already familiar with some of the true events that were part of this story
The ending felt rushed but I should say that I seem to feel this way about the majority of books that I read.
The author’s note at the end was perfection. I read every word, every name.
Because I love this author so much I made a point of reading this book on its own and not comparing it to other books by her that I’ve read. I might want to read every book by her. So far I’ve read The War That Saved My Life (5 stars) & its sequel The War I Finally Won (5 stars) (both books I’d love to own, and to share) and Fighting Words (5 stars) and Jefferson’s Sons (4 stars) and now this one (4 stars) – all winners. I have three others on my to read list but I probably should add all of her books to that list. The Night War is an important book and I give it 4 full stars.
At the approximate 2/3 mark though
I did guess one thing early on, that
I did think that one thing she did was (sort of) out of character.
It does get painfully suspenseful.
I really liked Miri/Marie. I admire her bravery and kindness and intelligence and maturity and understood her guilty feelings, however misplaced.
I also really liked
I was already familiar with some of the true events that were part of this story
The ending felt rushed but I should say that I seem to feel this way about the majority of books that I read.
The author’s note at the end was perfection. I read every word, every name.
Because I love this author so much I made a point of reading this book on its own and not comparing it to other books by her that I’ve read. I might want to read every book by her. So far I’ve read The War That Saved My Life (5 stars) & its sequel The War I Finally Won (5 stars) (both books I’d love to own, and to share) and Fighting Words (5 stars) and Jefferson’s Sons (4 stars) and now this one (4 stars) – all winners. I have three others on my to read list but I probably should add all of her books to that list. The Night War is an important book and I give it 4 full stars.
March 30, 2024
SPOILERS BELOW - I don’t know how to do a spoiler tag on mobile and the Luddite in me doesn’t want to learn anyway.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC.
First thought for about the first 25% of the book - I felt like I was a kid again reading Number the Stars. The tension, the heartbreak, the small moments of stolen joy - it was great.
And then…it kinda fell off for me.
First (and this isn’t just a problem for this book) but why do publishers keep insisting that books need to be nearly 300 pages for 10 year olds? I feel like it’s harder and harder to find shorter books for reluctant readers in this age group.
Secondly, although the Jewish faith was heavily highlighted in the beginning, part of the book felt like a dogmatic explanation of Catholicism. I know that Miri would have felt like a fish out of water, but some of it felt a little too much? I dunno.
Thirdly, did we need a paranormal element? With a historical parallel that was weak at best and problematic at worst?
Being middle grade, I am happy that there was a happy ending. But I also feel like it was too happy? I think that it would have been okay for a bit more close losses. Not that I’m rooting for people to die or anything, but I think losses are good for children to read about and process. (Looking at you bridge to Terabithia…).
Not a bad read, but also not a particularly strong one either.
Thank you to the publisher for an ARC.
First thought for about the first 25% of the book - I felt like I was a kid again reading Number the Stars. The tension, the heartbreak, the small moments of stolen joy - it was great.
And then…it kinda fell off for me.
First (and this isn’t just a problem for this book) but why do publishers keep insisting that books need to be nearly 300 pages for 10 year olds? I feel like it’s harder and harder to find shorter books for reluctant readers in this age group.
Secondly, although the Jewish faith was heavily highlighted in the beginning, part of the book felt like a dogmatic explanation of Catholicism. I know that Miri would have felt like a fish out of water, but some of it felt a little too much? I dunno.
Thirdly, did we need a paranormal element? With a historical parallel that was weak at best and problematic at worst?
Being middle grade, I am happy that there was a happy ending. But I also feel like it was too happy? I think that it would have been okay for a bit more close losses. Not that I’m rooting for people to die or anything, but I think losses are good for children to read about and process. (Looking at you bridge to Terabithia…).
Not a bad read, but also not a particularly strong one either.
March 15, 2024
“We don’t choose how we feel, but we choose how we act. Choose courage.”
The Night War follows the story of twelve-year-old Mari, a Jewish girl fighting to survive the horrors of WW2. With her parents missing and the responsibility of caring for an infant, Mari’s bravery and strength is tested as she is taken into a Catholic boarding school where she must hide her identity and assimilate to a culture unknown to her.
The Night War is a tragic and heartwarming tale that sensitively handles heavy topics. It is a solid read for young children wanting to learn more about history and I particularly liked Mari and Beatrice’s characters. This book explores heavy subject matters while incorporating fantasy elements which I felt worked well considering the age of the main character and the difficulties she faced. The ending did feel a little rushed which is why I knocked off a star from this rating but overall it was a good read that enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Night War follows the story of twelve-year-old Mari, a Jewish girl fighting to survive the horrors of WW2. With her parents missing and the responsibility of caring for an infant, Mari’s bravery and strength is tested as she is taken into a Catholic boarding school where she must hide her identity and assimilate to a culture unknown to her.
The Night War is a tragic and heartwarming tale that sensitively handles heavy topics. It is a solid read for young children wanting to learn more about history and I particularly liked Mari and Beatrice’s characters. This book explores heavy subject matters while incorporating fantasy elements which I felt worked well considering the age of the main character and the difficulties she faced. The ending did feel a little rushed which is why I knocked off a star from this rating but overall it was a good read that enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2024
I am struggling to review this book. As a Jewish person with family ties to the Holocaust, I think Holocaust education is so important. I know there were many “underground railroads” to get Jews out of various countries and know this book is based on one of those.
My issue comes back to this: Holocaust books should not be written by non-Jews. Full stop. It is gross to me that non-Jews are profiting off Jewish trauma.
I decided to read this book so I could form a real opinion of this book and below are my thoughts.
I liked Miri as a character and even some of the other supporting characters. However, I feel like this book focused more on “oh look how nice these non Jews are”. Were there people to saved and cared for non-Jews? For sure. But the amount of books about people who were deemed “righteous amongst nations” outnumber the actual amount of people who helped their Jewish neighbours.
Another thing that bothered me is the Hebrew prayers written out in the book. There are certain words in Judaism so holy that they should not be written out. And they were right there on the page. A non-Jew using our holy words didn’t sit right with me.
Lastly, one of the girls refer to Jews as “dirty foreign Jews”. In a kids book, especially considering the rise in Jew hatred, I do not think this line was necessary and actually found it quite offensive, especially considering the author.
Finally, while I understand it was a kids book, the ending just did not do justice to the horror and scale of the Holocaust. It seemed too tidy considering how many stories I know and have heard.
While this story does showcase some of the history about this one part of the Holocaust, overall I do not think I can recommend this book in good conscience due to everything I mentioned above.
My issue comes back to this: Holocaust books should not be written by non-Jews. Full stop. It is gross to me that non-Jews are profiting off Jewish trauma.
I decided to read this book so I could form a real opinion of this book and below are my thoughts.
I liked Miri as a character and even some of the other supporting characters. However, I feel like this book focused more on “oh look how nice these non Jews are”. Were there people to saved and cared for non-Jews? For sure. But the amount of books about people who were deemed “righteous amongst nations” outnumber the actual amount of people who helped their Jewish neighbours.
Another thing that bothered me is the Hebrew prayers written out in the book. There are certain words in Judaism so holy that they should not be written out. And they were right there on the page. A non-Jew using our holy words didn’t sit right with me.
Lastly, one of the girls refer to Jews as “dirty foreign Jews”. In a kids book, especially considering the rise in Jew hatred, I do not think this line was necessary and actually found it quite offensive, especially considering the author.
Finally, while I understand it was a kids book, the ending just did not do justice to the horror and scale of the Holocaust. It seemed too tidy considering how many stories I know and have heard.
While this story does showcase some of the history about this one part of the Holocaust, overall I do not think I can recommend this book in good conscience due to everything I mentioned above.
March 8, 2024
Wow! Kimberley Brubaker Bradley has knocked another one out of the park!
Young Miriam is Jewish, as are many people in her small French village. In 1942, life is becoming increasingly difficult and dangerous for Jews, due to the Nazi occupation. When a roundup occurs that separates Miriam from everyone she knows and loves, she must do everything in her power to remain alive and stay brave, as her father always told her to be. Can she be brave enough to help others who are in even more danger than she is herself?…
The author’s notes at the end were excellent. This book needs to be used in classrooms today, to show young people that they can make a difference in their world.
Young Miriam is Jewish, as are many people in her small French village. In 1942, life is becoming increasingly difficult and dangerous for Jews, due to the Nazi occupation. When a roundup occurs that separates Miriam from everyone she knows and loves, she must do everything in her power to remain alive and stay brave, as her father always told her to be. Can she be brave enough to help others who are in even more danger than she is herself?…
The author’s notes at the end were excellent. This book needs to be used in classrooms today, to show young people that they can make a difference in their world.
April 19, 2024
Miri, a young Jewish girl hides in plan sight, right in front of the Nazis.
I am jumping between 3 and 4 stars. I’m always going to be excited by a new Bradly novel. How throughly she researches history shows on every page. The tension was well paced and the characters were genuine, although not nearly as endearing as Ada. There seemed to be an excess of exposition spent on moralizing. I loved the ghost, but couldn’t quite come to terms with her placement in the book. Did she really need to be there? I was frustrated with the ending. So tidy and underworked. Saying everyone Miri cared about survived was unrealistic and I felt it diminished the validity of parts of the book that rang true.
The backmatter destroyed me. I listened to every name.
I am jumping between 3 and 4 stars. I’m always going to be excited by a new Bradly novel. How throughly she researches history shows on every page. The tension was well paced and the characters were genuine, although not nearly as endearing as Ada. There seemed to be an excess of exposition spent on moralizing. I loved the ghost, but couldn’t quite come to terms with her placement in the book. Did she really need to be there? I was frustrated with the ending. So tidy and underworked. Saying everyone Miri cared about survived was unrealistic and I felt it diminished the validity of parts of the book that rang true.
The backmatter destroyed me. I listened to every name.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2024
Liked, didn't love. I am very fond of Miri and her quest to protect and then be reunited with Nora (and hopefully her parents and Nora's parents) was gripping. "Madame Simone" (and the absurdly weird reveal of the reality of her situation) was the part that really didn't work for me. That element detracted from what otherwise would have been a quite powerful story of a young girl trying to do the right thing in difficult circumstances.
March 15, 2024
I first read Kimberly Brubaker Bradley when my daughters were middle grade readers. I have read her entire body of work, and THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE remains top five historical fiction for me. It’s an incredible read for all ages. She writes for a middle grade audience with exceptional depth and candor while maintaining the sensitivity and responsibility required for this age group.
Her latest is no different. She tackles a difficult topic and executes it with grace and imparts a sense of courage and bravery to her readers.
Consider this meaningful quote: “We don't choose how we feel, but we choose how we act. Choose courage.” Simple words that pack a wallop of a punch.
I will say there is a certain subplot that seemed a little odd to me, but let’s acknowledge that I am a 54-year-old woman and not the middle grader the book is written for. 🤷🏻♀️
I paired the print version with the audio version and found the narration by Gilli Messer @gillsgonewild to be very well done.
All in all, I can confidently recommend this for all ages – but if you have a middle grade reader, this book and the author’s entire backlist are definite musts!
🌿Read if you like:
✨Middle grade fiction
✨Historical fiction
✨World War II era
✨French setting
✨Strong female main characters
Her latest is no different. She tackles a difficult topic and executes it with grace and imparts a sense of courage and bravery to her readers.
Consider this meaningful quote: “We don't choose how we feel, but we choose how we act. Choose courage.” Simple words that pack a wallop of a punch.
I will say there is a certain subplot that seemed a little odd to me, but let’s acknowledge that I am a 54-year-old woman and not the middle grader the book is written for. 🤷🏻♀️
I paired the print version with the audio version and found the narration by Gilli Messer @gillsgonewild to be very well done.
All in all, I can confidently recommend this for all ages – but if you have a middle grade reader, this book and the author’s entire backlist are definite musts!
🌿Read if you like:
✨Middle grade fiction
✨Historical fiction
✨World War II era
✨French setting
✨Strong female main characters
February 13, 2024
Very good and made my 10 year old cry and ask lots of good questions about WWII.
March 10, 2025
Warning: at the bottom there will be spoilers for those who want to know about content that might be a problem for some.
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley does a fabulous job of creating such realistic characters that we feel like we've been introduced to new friends, and Miri is no exception. There was so much I LOVED about this book. I loved that Miri was terrified. A girl her age should've been scared during Nazi occupation and relocation/extermination. Seeing people she trusted betray her and her friends and family should make her uneasy and cause her to lose confidence. It's a rare child who would do otherwise.
The adults in this book also all behave kind of as you'd expect them to. They protect and rebuke, comfort and teach. And they make mistakes--ones borne of fear and also of ignorance. It's just so crazy realistic.
The only thing that brought it down a bit for me was what felt like a "convenience" plot. Spoilers ahead now. Big one. Ready?
...
...
The book takes place near the chateau that belonged to Catherine Medici. As part of the story, Medici's ghost helps Miri do what she needs to do in the book. And... well, I liked getting to see that there are other explanations for why Medici was involved in things she was, but...
It was just too convenient that Miri had a ghost helping her know when what would happen and such. Also, there are parents who might prefer not to have that story line, so for those... now you know.
Kimberly Brubaker Bradley does a fabulous job of creating such realistic characters that we feel like we've been introduced to new friends, and Miri is no exception. There was so much I LOVED about this book. I loved that Miri was terrified. A girl her age should've been scared during Nazi occupation and relocation/extermination. Seeing people she trusted betray her and her friends and family should make her uneasy and cause her to lose confidence. It's a rare child who would do otherwise.
The adults in this book also all behave kind of as you'd expect them to. They protect and rebuke, comfort and teach. And they make mistakes--ones borne of fear and also of ignorance. It's just so crazy realistic.
The only thing that brought it down a bit for me was what felt like a "convenience" plot. Spoilers ahead now. Big one. Ready?
...
...
The book takes place near the chateau that belonged to Catherine Medici. As part of the story, Medici's ghost helps Miri do what she needs to do in the book. And... well, I liked getting to see that there are other explanations for why Medici was involved in things she was, but...
It was just too convenient that Miri had a ghost helping her know when what would happen and such. Also, there are parents who might prefer not to have that story line, so for those... now you know.
May 3, 2024
Another exciting read with a heroine readers will care about - WWII, a beautiful chateau, boarding school, Nazis, and secrets - you should put this on your TBR immediately.
My review: https://tinyurl.com/yb6bdeen
My review: https://tinyurl.com/yb6bdeen
June 20, 2024
Probly more 3.5 for me. Please Goodreads get half stars!
From the author of The War that Saved my Life comes another great story for a read aloud for kids! Felt a lot like that one as well. It is the story of a French Jewish girl.
There was a lot of different religious views in this one (Judaism, Christianity, and Catholicism) which would be prompt great discussions. Couldn’t tell if the author was as leaning one way or the other but it mentions the belief of the one true God and what different beliefs systems hold get to heaven.
Be sure to listen to the epilogue.
Thanks Libro for me audio copy.
💬*𝙈𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.*
💬 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
From the author of The War that Saved my Life comes another great story for a read aloud for kids! Felt a lot like that one as well. It is the story of a French Jewish girl.
There was a lot of different religious views in this one (Judaism, Christianity, and Catholicism) which would be prompt great discussions. Couldn’t tell if the author was as leaning one way or the other but it mentions the belief of the one true God and what different beliefs systems hold get to heaven.
Be sure to listen to the epilogue.
Thanks Libro for me audio copy.
💬*𝙈𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠.*
💬 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘵:𝘩𝘵𝘵𝘱𝘴://𝘸𝘸𝘸.𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮.𝘤𝘰𝘮/𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴/
May 11, 2024
You wretched ancient flatulent witch about madame Simone
“We always have a choice. not in what happens to us, but what we do in response.” Habit 1
School friend dad helps her one week, next week he is rounding up her and neighbor.
A bit like Jennifer Nielsen ww2 books but less political intrigue and more heart
Spoiler: Cool that Miri/Marie figured out that madame Simone Is ghost of Catherine Medici and only her head gardeners can see her - figures it out since she never eats the veggies from kitchen garden
History usually written by winning side
Most powerful force in world is love
Excellent epilogue and author notes
“We always have a choice. not in what happens to us, but what we do in response.” Habit 1
School friend dad helps her one week, next week he is rounding up her and neighbor.
A bit like Jennifer Nielsen ww2 books but less political intrigue and more heart
Spoiler: Cool that Miri/Marie figured out that madame Simone Is ghost of Catherine Medici and only her head gardeners can see her - figures it out since she never eats the veggies from kitchen garden
History usually written by winning side
Most powerful force in world is love
Excellent epilogue and author notes
June 16, 2024
I love this author and hope I am in the minority that didn't enjoy this book as much as they wanted to. I loved the setting at Chenonceau. I was just confused between it being a historical fiction book and a supernatural book. I wish it had chosen one specific genre. Crossing my fingers that my students will enjoy it, even though it wasn't my favorite.
May 23, 2024
I was on the edge of my seat throughout this story! Kimberly Brubaker Bradley always succeeds in creating characters that leap off the page, but Miri did so and then dragged me back in with her. The ending went faster than I expected, but I still enjoyed it very much.
May 28, 2024
✨Bring✨ | Borrow | Bypass
Thank you to NetGalley, Dial Books, & Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
Review: Kimberley Brubaker Bradley's duology, The War That Saved My Life (#1) and The War I Finally Won (#2), are some of the absolute best books I've ever read in my entire life, and it's always a weird position to be in when an author that has written such beloved-to-you books comes out with their next ... what if it doesn't hit the same?
While I can say that I'm pretty confident nothing will ever affect me to the core the way that TWTSML / TWIFW have, I did think The Night War was well written with a hugely important story to tell, and in a way that would be accessible to younger readers. There are hard things presented, and I think discussions throughout the reading would be helpful to readers, but even without I think the point is well made.
The afterword of this book is also incredibly important and heartbreaking, but showcases the research that went into the novel and should definitely be read as well.
Content Warnings:
Thank you to NetGalley, Dial Books, & Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date! This in no way affected my review, opinions are my own.
Review: Kimberley Brubaker Bradley's duology, The War That Saved My Life (#1) and The War I Finally Won (#2), are some of the absolute best books I've ever read in my entire life, and it's always a weird position to be in when an author that has written such beloved-to-you books comes out with their next ... what if it doesn't hit the same?
While I can say that I'm pretty confident nothing will ever affect me to the core the way that TWTSML / TWIFW have, I did think The Night War was well written with a hugely important story to tell, and in a way that would be accessible to younger readers. There are hard things presented, and I think discussions throughout the reading would be helpful to readers, but even without I think the point is well made.
The afterword of this book is also incredibly important and heartbreaking, but showcases the research that went into the novel and should definitely be read as well.
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ / 4.63
Rating each element of the book out of 5★
Characters ★★★★
Atmosphere ★★★★
Writing ★★★★
Plot ★★★★
Intrigue ★★★★★
Logic ★★★
Enjoyment ★★★★★
Pacing ★★★★
Dialogue ★★★★
★ did not like / ★★ it was okay / ★★★ liked it / ★★★★ really liked it / ★★★★★ loved it
Content Warnings:
June 18, 2024
I liked it a lot but didn’t love it. The story started out strong. I felt deeply for Miri who blamed herself for her neighbor getting taken away when in reality her response in that moment had no impact. I grieved with her when she woke up and Nora was gone. I thought Beatrice and Jacqueline seemed realistic. There were lots of places in the book that could be a launch for terrific discussion on history, prejudice, differences, etc.
The ghost threw me for a loop. Okay, I can suspend my disbelief. I understand the ghost was a plot tool. Still, not my favorite. Bringing up past history in this historical fiction just seemed to add an unnecessary layer that complicated things. I realize it was meant to show that history repeats itself and that historical figures and events are deeper and more complicated than what we initially may think. Just felt too much to me.
The ending was happy but extremely unrealistic. Even middle schoolers can handle a parental death in a novel.
The ghost threw me for a loop. Okay, I can suspend my disbelief. I understand the ghost was a plot tool. Still, not my favorite. Bringing up past history in this historical fiction just seemed to add an unnecessary layer that complicated things. I realize it was meant to show that history repeats itself and that historical figures and events are deeper and more complicated than what we initially may think. Just felt too much to me.
The ending was happy but extremely unrealistic. Even middle schoolers can handle a parental death in a novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2024
It is clear to see why Bradley is a celebrated author with some impressive awards to her name. The Night War should undoubtedly bring her more accolades. The story takes no time to become action-packed, keeping even an adult reader's attention throughout. The perspective of a Jewish girl in occupied France was a new one amongst the many WWII books out there. I was anxious to hear where Miriam would head next, and the many characters and history lessons throughout didn't disappoint. My next objective is researching more from this point of view, and the many Jews captured during that time, especially children. I found myself googling the Chenonceau Castle, as well as Catherine de Midici to see pictures and learn more. And finally on to read some more Bradley books!
August 29, 2024
Kind of disappointing for a Kimberly Brubaker Bradley book. I felt the story and characters were superficial and didn't give me the deep emotions the characters of The War that Saved My Life did. I felt conflicted by the story's progression and misunderstood the Catherine de' Demici/Huguenots plotline. I also just felt it was a chore to want to read.
May 29, 2024
3.5 stars
This ended literally in the middle of the climax. I turned the page to find a hasty epilogue instead of any sort of closure. Good but could have been better, especially from this author.
This ended literally in the middle of the climax. I turned the page to find a hasty epilogue instead of any sort of closure. Good but could have been better, especially from this author.
November 3, 2024
Powerful historical fiction where Miriam, a young Jewish girl, escpaes the round up in Francec and ends up becoming part of the resistance smuggling Jewish people into Vichy.
May 8, 2024
I cannot recommend these books enough, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley:
Fighting Words, The War that Saved My Life, The War I Finally Won, and Jefferson's Sons.
Outstanding author.
Her latest, The Night War, held by attention as a gripping historical read.
It delivers a generous serving of religious education on the Catholic and Jewish faiths, which I appreciate as part of helping young people / all people understand Jewish community and culture, part of understanding the atrocities of the Holocaust and WWII.
There is a touch of supernatural in the story, which isn't my thing and I didn't entirely care for. But it adds content that's interesting and useful to the story - on Catherine de Medici, the Huguenots, and St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. (I was inspired to do more googling afterward. What sensational lives royals of centuries ago lived, filled with scandal, drama, and violence.)
Wise words, particularly felt:
"We don't choose how we feel, but we choose how we act."
"Sometimes there are no good choices."
Favorite character:
Sister Annunciata (Sister Anchovy)
Fighting Words, The War that Saved My Life, The War I Finally Won, and Jefferson's Sons.
Outstanding author.
Her latest, The Night War, held by attention as a gripping historical read.
It delivers a generous serving of religious education on the Catholic and Jewish faiths, which I appreciate as part of helping young people / all people understand Jewish community and culture, part of understanding the atrocities of the Holocaust and WWII.
There is a touch of supernatural in the story, which isn't my thing and I didn't entirely care for. But it adds content that's interesting and useful to the story - on Catherine de Medici, the Huguenots, and St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. (I was inspired to do more googling afterward. What sensational lives royals of centuries ago lived, filled with scandal, drama, and violence.)
Wise words, particularly felt:
"We don't choose how we feel, but we choose how we act."
"Sometimes there are no good choices."
Favorite character:
Sister Annunciata (Sister Anchovy)
October 17, 2025
3.5 stars
Okay, first, this was my first historical fiction read EVER. And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. Normally I’m reading fantasy, romance, action packed stuff. So when I picked this book up, it was solely because a friend recommended it and I thought it would be good to try something new for a change.
I think I chose the perfect book to get me into historical fiction. The setting was one that I understood (WW2) and the characters were easy to fall in love with.
The plot of this book was good, and it was very interesting to learn about this history. But sometimes the writing felt off, like the author chose the wrong word or something. I understand that this is a middle grade book, and I normally read YA, so this book needed to be easy to read.
The main reason that this book isn’t rated higher is because I didn’t feel a lot of emotion stirred in me. But I can definitely see how others could relate to Miri and connect with this story in a deeper level. I just didn’t.
All this to say, I dipped my toes into the waters of historical fiction and I might be ready to do it again.
Okay, first, this was my first historical fiction read EVER. And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. Normally I’m reading fantasy, romance, action packed stuff. So when I picked this book up, it was solely because a friend recommended it and I thought it would be good to try something new for a change.
I think I chose the perfect book to get me into historical fiction. The setting was one that I understood (WW2) and the characters were easy to fall in love with.
The plot of this book was good, and it was very interesting to learn about this history. But sometimes the writing felt off, like the author chose the wrong word or something. I understand that this is a middle grade book, and I normally read YA, so this book needed to be easy to read.
The main reason that this book isn’t rated higher is because I didn’t feel a lot of emotion stirred in me. But I can definitely see how others could relate to Miri and connect with this story in a deeper level. I just didn’t.
All this to say, I dipped my toes into the waters of historical fiction and I might be ready to do it again.
July 18, 2024
Oh man was this book soooo good. I read it in 4 days because it was so interesting. I really did love the book, but I thought it really was strange that Miri had been talking to a ghost of a French queen for a lot of the story. The ending was perfect and made me so happy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
notes-on-unfinished-books
September 1, 2024I read about 20 pages.
I consider myself a pretty big Bradley fan, but this one didn't grab me. It's about a Jewish girl who is stranded in Paris when they start arresting all the Jews. It was fairly interesting, but I felt no need to continue reading it.
I consider myself a pretty big Bradley fan, but this one didn't grab me. It's about a Jewish girl who is stranded in Paris when they start arresting all the Jews. It was fairly interesting, but I felt no need to continue reading it.
October 4, 2024
I love this author. I love every book I have read by her. The fact that they are written for middle school students makes no difference, a good story is a good story. This book has a supernatural element that will play better to middle schoolers, but I enjoyed it just the same.
October 17, 2024
This was an enjoyable read! There was a plot twist at the end that brought it down a star, but overall still a good solid middle grade book.
June 12, 2025
Review is coming soon.
September 2, 2024
i never miss a kimberly brubaker bradley book 🤭
March 20, 2024
The Night War is a new middle grade story that centers around WWII. Miri is a young Jewish girl who gets separated from her family and has to live in a Catholic boarding school in order to survive.
This was a good book! It handled a lot of hard topics since it is about the holocaust and the war. I think the characters were great and easy to root for. You feel the characters heartache and sadness throughout the story. There is some hope woven through as well.
There were a few aspects that didn’t quite work for me but I don’t want to spoil anything. I feel like the ending was a bit rushed as well.
I think this is an important topic for children to learn about and it was handled well in this book. Thanks so much ti netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a good book! It handled a lot of hard topics since it is about the holocaust and the war. I think the characters were great and easy to root for. You feel the characters heartache and sadness throughout the story. There is some hope woven through as well.
There were a few aspects that didn’t quite work for me but I don’t want to spoil anything. I feel like the ending was a bit rushed as well.
I think this is an important topic for children to learn about and it was handled well in this book. Thanks so much ti netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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