Between Shades Of Gray
-
-
4.8 • 61 Ratings
-
-
- £6.99
-
- £6.99
Publisher Description
Between Shades of Gray is a haunting and powerful Second World War novel by Ruta Sepetys
That morning, my brother's life was worth a pocket watch . . .
One night fifteen-year-old Lina, her mother and young brother are hauled from their home by Soviet guards, thrown into cattle cars and sent away. They are being deported to Siberia.
An unimaginable and harrowing journey has begun. Lina doesn't know if she'll ever see her father or her friends again. But she refuses to give up hope.
Lina hopes for her family.
For her country.
For her future.
For love - first love, with the boy she barely knows but knows she does not want to lose . . .
Will hope keep Lina alive?
Set in 1941, Between Shades of Gray is an extraordinary and haunting story based on first-hand family accounts and memories from survivors.
Born and raised in Michigan, Ruta Sepetys is the daughter of a Lithuanian refugee. Ruta lives with her family in Tennessee. Between Shades of Gray is her first novel and it was nominated for the prestigious Carnegie Medal. Fans of The Book Thief, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and Codename Verity will fall in love with this book.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Through the pained yet resilient narration of 15-year-old Lina, a gifted artist, this taut first novel tells the story of Lithuanians deported and sent to Siberian work camps by Stalin during WWII. From the start, Sepetys makes extensive use of foreshadowing to foster a palpable sense of danger, as soldiers wrench Lina's family from their home. The narrative skillfully conveys the deprivation and brutality of conditions, especially the cramped train ride, unrelenting hunger, fears about family members' safety, impossible choices, punishing weather, and constant threats facing Lina, her mother, and her younger brother. Flashbacks, triggered like blasts of memory by words and events, reveal Lina's life before and lay groundwork for the coming removal. Lina's romance with fellow captive Andrius builds slowly and believably, balancing some of the horror. A harrowing page-turner, made all the more so for its basis in historical fact, the novel illuminates the persecution suffered by Stalin's victims (20 million were killed), while presenting memorable characters who retain their will to survive even after more than a decade in exile. Ages 12 up.
Customer Reviews
Beautiful read!
Loved this book! I usually don't read books that have such a strong historical element to it, but it was worth it.
A bit slow to get into at the beginning, but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. :D
between shades of grey
If you are not a Lithuanian this book will tear at your heart, If you are it will bring out very deep emotions that you know from your family history. This is a well researched and frank account of a story all Lithuanians will know of, it is so well written by Ruta thank you for doing this, no matter how harrowing the experience.
Aciu
Between Shades of Grey
This book exposes the horrible truth that so many people fail to know about, the Soviet take over of Lithuania and the horrific truth that so many people were sent to die. The moving tale reminds us that even in what seems to be the darkest hour a small piece of hope can keep us alive. It will never stop amazing us that love is stronger than any weaponry and the thought that someone, somewhere cares will always overcome total despair. This book is a huge 'must' read and it is a story that will change the way you think.