Elizabeth's War


Children - General
128 Pages
Reviewed on 06/08/2015
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

D.L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all type of books, but especially loved romance, horror and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks and cedars, her creativity was cradled until it bloomed. Her creations include three indie children’s books and an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to her readers to join her. You can learn more about Ms. Finn at her website: www.dlfinnauthor.com , or email her at: d.l.finn.author@gmail.com

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Elizabeth's War is a young adult historical novel written by D.L. Finn. When Elizabeth was 11 years old, her life was fairly idyllic. Her older sister, Pearl, doted on her, and life on her family's farm was filled with adventure and fun. It was 1917, and while she knew about the outbreak of World War I, it seemed to be far away from her insulated world. Everything changed when her father announced that he had volunteered to help train the officers who would be fighting overseas. Then Simon, Pearl's best friend and boyfriend, volunteered for service and would be leaving on the same train as Elizabeth's dad. Simon was her best friend Sarah's brother, and seeing him as well as her father go off to the war effort was frightening. Soon, she learned about the things people at home could do to help the war effort, and she and her family got involved.

D.L. Finn's young adult historical novel is a marvelous coming of age story about an exceptional young girl whose reality changes dramatically and who meets every challenge coming her way with enthusiasm and perseverance. I loved reading about the sacrifices and volunteer work Americans at home made to help the soldiers; especially the knitting projects done by classes in school, and I laughed with the clumsy and domestically challenged young Elizabeth as she learns to cook and knit. Finn's writing is smooth and her story flows beautifully. I was involved in the plot from the first page and found it hard to put the story down until I had finished it. Elizabeth's War is highly recommended.

Faridah Nassozi

In Elizabeth's War, by D.L. Finn, 11-year-old Elizabeth was always treated like a baby by her family. Her responsibilities were limited to the simplest chores and everyone always let her get her own way. With WWI now in full gear, her father, brother, and best friend’s brother all signed up to fulfil their duty to their country. The family was left behind, worried, but doing their best to survive as they waited for news from the war zone. Just when they were learning to live with the anxiety of lack of news from their dear ones, bad news came, leaving everyone completely devastated. As if things weren't already bad enough with the war, chicken pox hit and suddenly everyone was bed-ridden. Just overnight, Elizabeth had to grow up, for how well they made it out of this crisis completely depended on her.

Elizabeth's War by D.L. Finn is an enchanting YA story about war, love and transformation. There is something so soothing and so very inspiring about Elizabeth's War. Even amidst all the chaos and challenges left behind as the men went off to war, the story gave off a certain serene feeling. Reading it had such a calming effect. The tranquil camaraderie between the MacNeil and the Rhodes families, created through years of friendship and shared memories, and now through the shared weight of having their loved ones off in the military, was simply enchanting. The book gave an insightful look at what WWI really meant for those left behind as their men signed up for service. With all that was happening, I was especially interested in how Elizabeth, the clumsy spoiled baby of the house, would handle it. Through D.L. Finn's incredible character development, the transformation was simply amazing as the 11-year-old turned into the real hero of the war.

Gisela Dixon

Elizabeth's War by D.L. Finn is an enjoyable story about a young girl named Elizabeth and her personal journey towards responsibility and maturity. Set in the World War I era, Elizabeth's War starts off with an introduction to 11-year-old Elizabeth and her family. Elizabeth has lived a fairly sheltered, country farm life with her older brothers and sister and parents on a farm in North Dakota. However, everything changes when the boys and men are called out to war and suddenly Elizabeth finds that there is more responsibility on her shoulders. This is the story of a young girl who finds the courage and maturity to not only learn to manage the household with the help of her siblings, but also aid her mother during the birth of her twin brother and sister.

Elizabeth's War by D.L. Finn is a meaningful read and young Elizabeth in particularly is an especially endearing character. Her character has been simply and beautifully portrayed with just the right amount of realism. Her growth and maturity as she learns to cook, clean, manage the farm operations, and in a time of crisis help her mother with the birthing process is truly inspiring. All of her family members also chip in and this story paints a vivid picture of life on a farm in the early part of the last century and how the war affected families. A nicely written and engaging read that I would recommend for all young readers as well as adults!