Salt to the Sea
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4.6 • 725 Ratings
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A journey to freedom is rocked by an epic disaster in this masterpiece of historical fiction that shines a light on one of World War II’s most devastating—yet overlooked—tragedies.
WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE MEDAL
“Masterfully crafted.”—The Wall Street Journal
"Brutal. Beautiful. Honest."—Sabaa Tahir, New York Times bestselling author of An Ember in the Ashes
“A rich, page-turning story that brings to vivid life a terrifying—and little-known—moment in World War II history.” —Steve Sheinkin, author of Newbery Honor and National Book Award finalist Bomb
World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, many with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer to safety.
But just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people—adults and children alike—aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.
Told in alternating points of view, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff—the greatest maritime disaster in history. Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity and love can prevail, even in the darkest of hours.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Sepetys delivers another knockout historical novel, after Between Shades of Gray and Out of the Easy, that offers insight into the ugly realities of WWII and culminates with a forgotten event, the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff. Set in East Prussia during the brutal winter of 1945, in the waning days of the conflict, and tautly narrated by four strong, distinct voices, the narrative highlights the plight of refugees as Germany tries to evacuate soldiers and civilians: "The brutality was shocking. Disgraceful acts of inhumanity. No one wanted to fall into the hands of the enemy. But it was growing harder to distinguish who the enemy was." The narrators include Florian, a Prussian boy carrying a secret parcel; traumatized 15-year-old Amelia, a Polish girl without papers who hides a mysterious pregnancy; Joana, a repatriated 21-year-old Lithuanian nurse, who believes she's a murderer; and Alfred, a German soldier who imagines writing self-important missives to a girl back home. Their stories collide first as the three refugees travel through the countryside with a larger group, and then as they try to gain passage on Alfred's ship, the Wilhelm Gustloff, which is doomed to maritime disaster with casualties exceeding those of the Titanic and Lusitania combined. Sepetys excels in shining light on lost chapters of history, and this visceral novel proves a memorable testament to strength and resilience in the face of war and cruelty. Ages 12 up.
Customer Reviews
Speechless
As a current Soldier in the Army, I am blown away that I had never heard of this historical event. Aside from that, it is very rare that I connect with characters in such a deep way that I am genuinely saddened and, in this case, brought to tears by the outcome. This is, in my opinion, the best book I've ever read.
Very Engaging
I found this book to be very engaging, especially because of its aspects of constant fear of uncertainties. I personally love learning about World War Two, and its books never disappoint. I had to read this book for school, and was definitely the best over many years that I’ve read for school, maybe even one of the best books I’ve ever read in my life! I wish I could’ve rated it higher than 5 stars!
best book i’ve ever read.
This book was SO well written and i literally cried every time i felt the emotion through the pages!