Thursday, March 10, 2016

Salt to the Sea

25614492Goodreads 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.

4 comments:

  1. I need to read this one! I hope it gets voted in for book club this year.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I need to pick this book up sometime. I've heard wonderful things about this book and the author in general. I'm glad you liked it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is definitely on my radar. I am glad you liked it so much!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I keep reading rave reviews of her books. I need to read one soon! You've intrigued me.

    ReplyDelete