What is more interesting than a historical fiction novel containing fatal secrets, stolen treasures, and a startling glance into the hidden past?
Nothing.
Salt to the Sea was written by Ruta Sepetys in 2016. It received the Golden Kite Award for fiction, the Carnegie Medal, and many other praises. The novel can be categorized as young-adult historical fiction and can be found in most major libraries as well as for sale.
Salt to the Sea is about the journey and day-to-day lives of 4 young adults as they travel through the war-ridden countries of Europe, all attempting to reach their final destination of a port in Germany while being caught in the horrors of World War II. It follows the journey of young nurse Joana from Lithuania, even younger Emilia from Poland, a mysterious German soldier, and the diary entries of a navy officer working at the desired destination of the prior three characters. The characters face numerous hardships on their journey, splitting off, meeting new people, both friendly and fatal, and experiencing unimaginable loss.
This book was intense. I have never been so sad or so tense while reading, but Ruta Sepetys conveys the tragedies of this fragment of World War II in such a way that I was constantly intrigued and constantly on edge. The characters she portrays are lovely and intricately woven, each one with a deeper background than I could imagine, and each one grows as the story progresses. I loved this book and could not put it down, but would recommend it only to those who have an interest in historical fiction. Ruta Sepetys, the author, was also generous enough to include maps on the front pages of the novel, as well as a brief explanation of the real events that transpired during the time the novel is set in.
In summary, this is a must-read novel. It’s not an “adventure” or a page-turner, but it is detailed and intriguing all the same. Please be aware that this novel does contain mature themes such as death, sexual assault, and loss, but Sepetys handles these topics with the grace of a skilled author. I would rate it a 5/5 and cannot wait to read more of Ruta Sepetys’ work!
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