Historical Fiction· United Kingdom
Carrie's War
by Nina BawdenAggregate Editorial Score48/100
★Carnegie Medal
Published 1973English
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Nina Bawden's Carrie's War (1973) stands as one of the most significant works of historical fiction of its era. Carrie and her brother Nick are evacuated to Wales during World War II and become entangled in the bitter feud between a strict chapel-keeper and his warmer sister. Bawden's Carnegie Medal winner is one of the great children's novels about the evacuation experience. Themes of evacuation, World War II, Wales run through the work. The book has received recognition from Carnegie Medal 1973.
Book Details
About the Category
🗺️ Historical Fiction
Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.
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🇬🇧 United Kingdom
This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.
Explore books from United Kingdom →Editorial Assessment
First published in 1973, Nina Bawden's Carrie's War is a work of historical fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with evacuation, World War II, Wales, family gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre.
The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: Carnegie Medal 1973. Its aggregate editorial score of 48/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals.
The appeal of Carrie's War lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of evacuation, World War II, Wales, family is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page.
Carrie's War reflects Nina Bawden's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United Kingdom's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
Carnegie Medal
winner · national
197348
Nina Bawden is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of historical fiction.
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