A review by stephanieam
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

dark emotional hopeful informative reflective sad tense fast-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

5.0

Ruta Septys has done it again. This book was so powerful and heartbreakingly beautiful. The fictional aspects of the narrative were effortlessly weaved together with a historical event that I had not known occurred. I love how the story is told through four individuals from very different places. Three of the four held my constant attention, and while the fourth one was tough to get through at times, I appreciated its inclusion and the reality of it as it was a perspective of the time unfortunately. The relationships were handled with such care and served as rays of light amongst the darkness happening all around. The dynamic between most characters is wonderful and filled with small and subtle moments that build into something meaningful. Ruta Septys is an instant buy author for me, and this novel is just further confirmation of why. As with her previous works, I was able to learn something new and engage in further research and reflection. I could not put this book down, and it is a story that will always stay with me.