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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
This book captured my attention immediately. Jumping from each of the characters perspectives every chapter is a really interesting way to approach sharing this story. Loved it, I did cry.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Historical Fiction-4.5 stars--(would have been 5 if there were a little more before the resolution) This is a hard book to review without spoilers, so I will be vague. The novel is set in Europe near the end of WWII as Germany is getting close to defeat. It is told from 4 different 1st person narrations, each with their own secrets and stories. This novel was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. The writing...Sepetys gives a great example of looping the beginning back to the ending and balancing the narrations of multiple characters. I loved this book, and my only complaint is that I wanted more, she does give closure at the end, that is not my complaint. I want more BEFORE the end; I just wanted their stories to keep going and going. Loved it!
Hi, I stayed up all night reading this book. I read it immediately after I finished "Between Shades of Gray" which is, in my opinion, the best order to read these books in. I think reading Between Shades of Gray first really helped me find more heartache and compassion for Joana than I would have originally. This story broke my heart and when I think about the two books together, I tear up (maybe also from the lack of sleep but mostly because of the story). In a world that is struggling to consider allowing refugees into their country, this book is extremely timely and important for everyone to read. I had literally no idea about the Wilhelm Gustloff and the tragedy that happened on it. I am pretty well read on WW2 history, but I had little to no knowledge about this. Read Between Shades of Gray and then read this book afterwards. I promise you, it will change you as a person.
Also, I would love to know if Lina and Joana ever met again.
Also, I would love to know if Lina and Joana ever met again.
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
How foolish to believe we are more powerful than the sea or the sky.
Horrible. But beautiful at the same time. That’s how I feel about “Salt to the Sea”. The sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff is the largest maritime Desaster to date - and yet so many people don’t know about it. But as Ruta Sepetys states in her authors note, we shouldn’t forget and we should know the truth. This story may not be the whole truth but that doesn’t matter. It sheds light on a horrible Desaster that is buried in history and it does so in a much better way than Günther Grass’ “Im Krebsgang”. With every sentence you feel how much work and research Ruta Sepetys poured into the story and therefore, it feels like a memorial to the dead, not only of the Wilhelm Gustloff but of the most gruesome war humanity has experienced.
Horrible. But beautiful at the same time. That’s how I feel about “Salt to the Sea”. The sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff is the largest maritime Desaster to date - and yet so many people don’t know about it. But as Ruta Sepetys states in her authors note, we shouldn’t forget and we should know the truth. This story may not be the whole truth but that doesn’t matter. It sheds light on a horrible Desaster that is buried in history and it does so in a much better way than Günther Grass’ “Im Krebsgang”. With every sentence you feel how much work and research Ruta Sepetys poured into the story and therefore, it feels like a memorial to the dead, not only of the Wilhelm Gustloff but of the most gruesome war humanity has experienced.
3.5. Rocky start, trying to figure out the characters and the pacing, but captivating thereafter. Definitely for the YA crowd—a bit gruesome in spots.