Reviews

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

em14randa's review against another edition

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5.0

Dead inside. Thanks a lot, Ruta Sepetys.

neuroqueer_af's review against another edition

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3.0

This is a simple yet solid YA read, with vibrant characters in a compelling setting. As with many YA books, some interesting points aren't covered in as much depth as I'd like (eg, the details about the art restoration were a bit rushed), but the fact that I want to hear more is a testament to the quality of the story itself.

aimeebrand's review against another edition

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5.0

I really liked this book. Both compelling and heartbreaking. Historical fiction telling a story with true events that not many people know about. How did I not know about this story already?? Same with Between Shades of Gray, stories I knew nothing about. I'm a bit disappointed in my education as a youth, but interested in learning more.

treboni's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

flmoss's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved this. I wasn’t familiar with the story and tragedy of this ship and the many others. The different perspectives were so beautifully written and each really had their own voice. Short chapters and the story line make it hard to put down 

bella_w24's review

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emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

grainofsuga's review against another edition

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5.0

i can't begin to describe the emotions this book made me feel

one of the best historical fictions I have read, it doesn't put flowers over these horrific moments and is so raw and emotional

ruta sepetys will never not impress me with her writing, I will keep reading her amazingly raw novels and will continue to cry and mourn the sadness of these tragedies

organic_guacamole's review

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challenging emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

5 stars for the story
3 stars for the technical aspect 
Total: 4 stars

I loved the characters and got so attached to them, the only thing is that the writing at times felt basic. I read it in a day though so it's a quick read. I really felt like I was a part of the group, and felt every single loss like it was my own. I wish we had more of a clear epilogue but I can't complain since nothing was necessarily left undone.

raefitz05's review against another edition

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dark emotional 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? Yes

charlotte138's review against another edition

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5.0

Ruta Sepetys has done it again. I found this book to be beautifully crafted, riveting, and heartbreaking. I won't be forgetting this for a while. An excellent contribution to historical fiction.