Between Shades of Grey by: Ruta Sepetys

Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction

Between Shades of Grey is a heartbreaking story of  bravery,sacrifice and suffering. The story takes place in Lithuania, 1941. Lina, a 15-year old girl with a passion for art, is preparing for art school. That is, until Soviet police rade her house, and take her family. Lina, her mother and her brother are separated from their father, and shipped on a train to Siberia. Her father, is sent to a prison camp elsewhere. The story follows Lina's fight for her family, her journey to find her father, and using her talent of drawing, to escape the Russian's grasp.

I loved this story. This is much different than books I usually read, (romance and adventure) however it was equally as brilliant. I liked this book because the author took a real-life event, and created a plot around it. Lina's story is both sad and beautiful at the same time, because this story represents true sacrifice. Lina's parents' sacrifices to protect the children, and Lina's sacrifices to find her father. This book was equally sad and extraordinary at the same time.

I will say that this book is very saddening. The theme is quite upsetting, and the book has quite a few sad parts to it. Although the book is not the most joyous, I will say that the ending is both happy and sad. There is defiantly and lighter side at the end.

I liked this book because it is unique. In a world where most YA fiction is dystopia or romance, it's fun to have a change. I have never read another historical fiction book as interesting as this one. I applaud the author for trying something different, in this trend of books.

Overall, this book was amazing for it's uniqueness. This book is not a history novel, it is history told in an amazing story of a heroine who is much more wise beyond her years. I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. I have no complaints.

*a note* off the topic of this book, I just wanted to add that I finally saw If I Stay earlier this week, and it was AMAZING! The movie was everything I wanted it to be like. If you haven't already, you should definitely go see it.

Bye for Now!

Paperback Princess