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omnilegentstories's review against another edition
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
4.75
sarahschrier's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
jombienerd's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Wrecked me
sansiebar's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
hs_ts_lover's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
4.0
A powerful story of a Lithuanian family taken prisoner by Stalin's troops during World War II and transported to a camp in Siberia. While most young adults are familiar with the atrocities of Hitler during this time period, Sepetys writes of a little-known piece of history that affected thousands of Europeans in and around Russia. But through the horrors, incidents of love and hope are seen, like rays of sun "between shades of gray."
txsyx's review against another edition
2.0
this has been sitting on my bookshelf for years and its finally time to read it. I have to say i was disappointed, i feel like i was expecting too much from this book. Long story short, it was mid
alyssahugs's review against another edition
5.0
As a lover of WW2 fiction … sometimes it’s nice to read a moving tale that still touches your heart and against all odds teaches you about another branch of WW2 you didn’t know much about. I loved that it was a beautiful and heartbreaking story without being too heavy or graphic. I was excited to pass it on to my 13 year old because I knew it wouldn’t be too much for her.
librarydoc's review against another edition
5.0
Book Talk
A 16 year old and her family are arrested in their home in Lithuania for being enemies of the the Soviet Union. Lina, her mother, and her brother are shipped to a work camp and then to Siberia. Her father is sent separately to a prison. Lina tries to maintain contact with her father through her artwork.
My Thoughts
When I first stated this one, I thought it would be another Holocaust novel. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but there’s a lot of that out there already. This one is really different because it focuses on the tiny Baltic countries stuck between Hitler and Stalin. I had no idea the people of Lithuania, Estonia, and even Finland were sent to concentration camps. It was fascinating to learn the history. The story is sad, and I cried several times. But the underlying theme is hope and survival, as well as the importance of family and friends.
My Recommendation
A must have for YA collections. Grades 7+ for thematic elements and violence (veiled references to rape and murder, worn and children are killers by Soviet soldiers).
A 16 year old and her family are arrested in their home in Lithuania for being enemies of the the Soviet Union. Lina, her mother, and her brother are shipped to a work camp and then to Siberia. Her father is sent separately to a prison. Lina tries to maintain contact with her father through her artwork.
My Thoughts
When I first stated this one, I thought it would be another Holocaust novel. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but there’s a lot of that out there already. This one is really different because it focuses on the tiny Baltic countries stuck between Hitler and Stalin. I had no idea the people of Lithuania, Estonia, and even Finland were sent to concentration camps. It was fascinating to learn the history. The story is sad, and I cried several times. But the underlying theme is hope and survival, as well as the importance of family and friends.
My Recommendation
A must have for YA collections. Grades 7+ for thematic elements and violence (veiled references to rape and murder, worn and children are killers by Soviet soldiers).
onewhogivesthevictory's review against another edition
4.0
I love this book! It shows the very real experiences of people during WW2. It's super sad though be ready to cry. I almost did in a few scenes. I recommend for 14+. Warning: some sexual references and not for everyone. Not everyone mentions this in reviews and it needs to be said.