The Night War

By: Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Narrated by: Gilli Messer

Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

From the two-time Newbery Honor-winning author of The War That Saved My Life and Fighting Words comes a middle grade novel set at the border between freedom and fear 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 volunteers 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.

In her return to the era of The War that Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley brings a new and different story, one with a mystical twist, that explores a little-known slice of World War II history, a highly unusual friendship, and the power of choosing courage even when—especially when—there are no good choices to be had.

* Detailed author's note included. *

“Compelling [with] a hint of magic [that] becomes as satisfying as the whole of this fine novel.”—Booklist

"Historical fiction at its finest. [A] masterpiece . . . Readers will be wholeheartedly rewarded."—SLJ (starred review)

"Poignant . . . A gripping, humane tale."—Kirkus (starred review)

"A thrilling plot [and] thought-provoking read."—Common Sense Media (a Common Sense Selection)

"Fast-paced, suspenseful, and heart-wrenching. . . . Highly recommended."—Historical Novel Society

“A deeply sympathetic character facing increasingly dangerous and suspenseful circumstances.”—PW

“Engaging [and] imaginative [with] emotional weight and contemporary appeal.”—The Horn Book

"A must-read."—YA and Kids Books Central

©2024 Kimberly Brubaker Bradley (P)2024 Listening Library

Critic reviews

“Engaging [and] imaginative . . . Miri’s vulnerability and sense of responsibility give [the story] emotional weight and contemporary appeal.” —The Horn Book

“Poses thoughtful questions about religious divides and parallels through the experiences of 12-year-old Miriam Schreiber, a German Jew [in 1942 France.] Miri’s highly credible emotions and actions make for a deeply sympathetic character facing increasingly dangerous and suspenseful circumstances.” —Publishers Weekly

“Bradley has crafted a compelling historical novel told in Miri’s apposite first-person voice. The book has a hint of magic that . . . becomes as satisfying as the whole of this fine novel.” —Booklist

What the mood is

So good amazing story very sad but still amazing if you had family in Germany or France you might find this story upsetting

this story is beautiful

I always adored the war that saved my life this in my opinion in just as good

Historical authenticity with real heart.

The author has a wonderful gift of real story telling that puts you in the story.

A Worthy WWII Story!

Excellent story, well-written and well-researched. The narrator mostly does fine with the French bits— Not perfect, but not so bad as to be distracting. I will definitely recommend this book and re-read (and listen again) myself.

A story we need today

Loved the supernatural twist. Important history told in a palatable way. Young and old would appreciate and be captivated.