Salt to the Sea by: Ruta Sepetys

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction
Published: August 3rd, 2016 by: Thorndike Press
Pages: 450
Rating: 5/5 stars

World War II is finally  over in East Prussia and thousands of refugees are trying to make the escape to freedom. A ship, the Wilhelm Gustloff, promises them just that, and many board the ship making it's way to safe ground. Among the refugees are Florian, Emilia and Joana, strangers who have all got something to hide. However when tragedy strikes among the ship, the three, and the thousands others on the fated ship, must do whatever it takes to survive. 

This book was a harrowing, heartbreaking and just plain beautiful piece of writing. It revolves around a tragedy of WWII not very well known, I didn't even know it myself, and that is the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff. Thousands of refugees were on this boat looking for a better life, and yet, they were doomed. Most people just know of the Titanic as the most famous ship sinking, but I think that this story is of as equal importance and deserves equal recognition. 

The book is told in alternating points of view from refugees of very different backgrounds. Each and every character were so well-developed, their stories so well thought out and I fell for every one of them. I especially had a soft spot for Joana, as she was so kind and had such an amazing soul. I loved how unique each character's situation was. 

What I love about Sepetys is that she sheds light on historical events not well known to the public. She doesn't skim the surface of events, she goes into these terrible and emotional things that happened to real people that need more recognition. I had no idea that this sinking had even happened because the only ship sinking I was ever taught about was the Titanic, but after reading this book I felt like I had learnt something new. Sepetys gives these victims a story to tell. 

Overall, an amazing WWII book that tells a different story. I think anyone interested in history should read this book, as it will educated you on a story that you didn't even know about, but that affected a lot of people. 

Have you read Salt to the Sea? What did you think? 

Emily @ Paperback Princess

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