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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
Another winner by Ruta Sepetys. While both this and Between Shades of Gray can be read alone, I think it adds something to read them both back to back, because Joanna is mentioned in Between Shades of Gray and then plays a prominent role in this one. Both cover aspects of WWI that is not often mentioned, including the incredibly tragic maritime disaster of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff with over 10,000 people aboard, which most people have never heard of, including me. I personally enjoyed listening to this with the different narrators as it made it very easy to follow the different points-of-view that were presented in this book. This is one of those books that leaves a lasting impact even if you can't quite describe it. Although this is a story of fiction, the author clearly did a lot of research and once again, she brought history alive for me. There is teen pregnancy, sexual assault (more implied than explicitly stated), and death mentioned, but nothing is terribly graphic, so I would easily recommend this for any mature middle schooler and above.
4.5 stars
This was such a beautiful book. It had great characters, was beautifully written and provided such a harrowing and vividly gut wrenching depiction of a part of WW2 history that I had never heard about before.
I docked this a half star due to the abrupt ending, but overall a fabulous book.
This was such a beautiful book. It had great characters, was beautifully written and provided such a harrowing and vividly gut wrenching depiction of a part of WW2 history that I had never heard about before.
I docked this a half star due to the abrupt ending, but overall a fabulous book.
I have no words....that ending! agoiekrgiehgirhgneiaeruig
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is another captivating tale of true events that many no nothing of. It isn’t without heartbreak, like all of Ruta’s books, but it is a beautiful story of a found family that rose out of the ruins of tragedy. I knew nothing of this story before going in but it kept me engaged the entire time.
Content Notes: Kisses
Content Notes: Kisses
My heart bleeds for these people. How did we not know this story? I can’t put into words how sad this book makes me…
Please, read this
Please, read this
Fresh historical references give this novel a strong and unique place in WWII fiction.
Beautiful, heartbreaking fictional account of a real tragedy of war, the sinking of a German ship transporting refugees and military personnel at the end of WWII. A different look at an oft-written about period of time that makes for a gripping plot and is filled with gorgeous writing and memorable characters.
A haunting novel about another tragedy of WW2. Sepetys is a gifted author that paints a realistic portrait of war and the people affected by it. Another great read by this writer.
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes