The Silver Sword

by Ian Serraillier
The Silver Sword cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 828
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9781446453131
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-03-31
  • Formats: 75
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99–£9.99

The Silver Sword is a poignant and unforgettable story set against the backdrop of World War II, drawing from true accounts to depict life in an occupied land. The narrative revolves around the Balicki children, who must rely on their determination and courage to survive the horrors of war. Their journey from war-torn Poland to the safety of Switzerland is fraught with danger, but a simple paper knife becomes a symbol of hope and perseverance for them. /n/n Praised by critics and readers alike, The Silver Sword has been compared to classics like The Book Thief and The Diary of Anne Frank. It is a story that explores the human spirit's capacity to endure and the power of hope in the darkest of times. The book's emotional depth and historical context make it a compelling read for those interested in the human experience during wartime.

Reviews
Charles Baker Harris's Blog · Charles Baker Harris · 2019-03-02
mixed 2.50

The reviewer finds the book's structure problematic, feeling it drags down the reader's interest. However, they acknowledge the historical significance of the story.

The reviewer has mixed feelings about 'The Silver Sword'. They feel the book's structure is a bit of a letdown, making it hard to stay engaged at times. However, they do appreciate the historical context and the way it introduces young readers to the harsh realities of World War II. It's a bit of a balancing act between the heavy themes and the engaging narrative, and for them, the structure doesn't quite hit the mark.

Quick quotes

    My biggest complaint about The Silver Sword is the way it's structured.

    Serraillier makes choices which drag down the reader's interest.

    It's a bit of a balancing act between the heavy themes and the engaging narrative.

The Guardian · Unknown · 2013-01-30
brilliant 5.00

The reviewer is captivated by the writing, finding it spellbinding and wishing the book was longer.

The reviewer is absolutely enchanted by 'The Silver Sword'. They found the writing to be truly spellbinding, each word gripping them tightly. It's clear they were so immersed in the story that they wished it would never end. The reviewer doesn't have any criticism, which is a strong endorsement for any book. They seem to have found a real gem here.

Quick quotes

    I found this writing truly spellbinding, each word gripped me.

    I long for this book to last a little longer.

    I have no criticism and looked forward to reading it every day.

We Sat Down · Nanny Bee · 2012-09-03
good 4.00

The reviewer enjoys the adventure story and praises the edition with the Backstory section.

Nanny Bee finds 'The Silver Sword' to be a lovely book with a good adventure story. They particularly appreciate this edition for its Backstory section, which adds depth to the reading experience. It's clear that they enjoyed the journey and the additional context provided. The review is positive and highlights the book's appeal, especially for younger readers.

Quick quotes

    The Silver Sword is a lovely book with a good adventure story.

    I think this edition with the Backstory section is brilliant.

    It's a good introduction to the realities of World War II for children.

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