Salt to the Sea

Goodreads Synopsis:    Winter, 1945. Four teenagers. Four secrets.

Each one born of a different homeland; each one hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies…and war.

As thousands of desperate refugees flock to the coast in the midst of a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom.

Yet not all promises can be kept.

Inspired by the single greatest tragedy in maritime history, bestselling and award-winning author Ruta Sepetys (Between Shades of Gray) lifts the veil on a shockingly little-known casualty of World War II. An illuminating and life-affirming tale of heart and hope.

My Thoughts:

-    I don't know if I can adequately write my thoughts and feelings about this book, but I will try.

-    The story is hauntingly beautiful and not for the feint of heart. The story is sad, very sad and solemn, but I am grateful I read it.

-    I wouldn't recommend reading this while pregnant. I'm due in 7 weeks, and this was a lot to swallow, and oh the emotions! I need to stick with happy books.

-    Ruta Sepetys surprises and amazes me with each book she writes. Wow!

-    Three of the four narrators were so interesting and intriguing! I cheered for them and cried for them. The fourth narrator was a little disturbing and odd, but I'm glad he was there. Each narrator had different backgrounds and different perspectives on the war and what was happening. I loved that we got all these different angles. 

-    The sub-characters were also really great! I loved the shoe poet. His mannerisms and tenderness won me over.

-    The writing is wonderful. I couldn't stop reading! I didn't even feel like I was reading. I was just immersed in the story and I couldn't absorb it fast enough. 

-    I really hate when major events like this are pushed under the rug. It makes me feel ignorant and ashamed that I didn't know about something so tragic and huge.

-    I loved Ruta's message at the end. It makes me want to dig into my family history and find forgotten stories. It is such a tragedy that our ancestors lives are forgotten.