Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Release Date: March 22, 2011
Publisher: Philomel
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 352
Source: ARC from Publisher
Interest: Debut Author
Challenge: YA Historical Fiction Challenge
Buy the Book: Amazon
Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they’ve known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded and dirty train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother slowly make their way north, crossing the Arctic Circle, to a work camp in the coldest reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced, under Stalin’s orders, to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the cruelest of conditions.
Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously—and at great risk—documenting events by drawing, hoping these messages will make their way to her father’s prison camp to let him know they are still alive. It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years and covering 6,500 miles, but it is through incredible strength, love, and hope that Lina ultimately survives. Between Shades of Gray is a novel that will steal your breath and capture your heart.
I’ll admit it. I was sort of afraid to read this book. Well…. not really afraid, but just watching the video about the book had me bawling, and I was afraid to be in that set of mind again. I don’t know about you, but books can tend to evoke strong emotions with me that will last for days… weeks, months even.
I wish I hadn’t waited for so long. Unfortunately I don’t think my review will do this novel justice.
I don’t want to say that this book wasn’t heartbreaking or that watching the disturbing journey that these people had to endure was not upsetting, I’ll admit it, it was hard to read. Yet I could NOT put it down.
I think the most disturbing thing of all, was that I never knew that this happened. And I know that I’m not alone in that. Read this book, be aware of a untold milestone in history, learn about the strength and compassion humans can possess in the face of extreme adversity. Lina was the perfect narrator for this story. I loved how she captured their journey in her art and despite her situation she always treasured hope, no matter how small it may be.
Sepetys is an absolutely amazing writer. To evoke such emotion not just because of what is happening, but because of how involved you become as a reader to this story and to these characters, it’s not an easy feat. The research and time that Sepetys invested in this novel is apparent in every page.
Between Shades of Gray is a must read.
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On Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
Julie
I absolutely ADORED this book. It was just…so beautifully written and so tragic and heartbreaking. I think I may need to reread it soon…
On Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
Ashley
Your review and the novel soundtrack composed by Gavin Mikahil have really got me sold.
I'll have to pick this one up very soon.
On Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
Alex (A Girl, Books, OtherThings)
I have it in pre-order, I know this is one of those books that is going to chew up my heart but it seems like a worthy story.
On Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
Liz
This book is amazing, and I couldn't put it down either. I was glued to my copy the entire time. I'm so glad Ruta decided to share this story with the world.
On Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
Christina T
I downloaded a sample for Kindle last night. I can't wait to read this. I know it will be a moving book. I'm glad you liked it. Like you, I didn't know about this either. Hopefully a lot of people will read this book and be enlightened. Thanks for sharing your review!
On Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
Audrey (holes In My brain)
I'm kind of sccared to read this one too, but I just know I will love it. Thanks for the review Kristi
On Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
Crystal
I'm getting ready to read this one and I have been putting it off as well, but I am anxious to read it because I have heard nothing but good things about the book. Thanks for sharing your review.
On Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
Coffee and a Book Chick
I absolutely loved this one as well when I read it late last year, and also couldn't believe that I wasn't familiar with this part of history. This is a great lesson about the human spirt and courage, no matter how young or old a person may be – excellent, excellent book. Absolutely brilliant, and I can't wait for her next work.
On Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
Cliona
I want to read that!
On Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
lisa
i've heard so much about this book, but i really appreciate your brevity and clarity as to WHY it's a good read. solid review of a sure-to-be solid book.
On Wednesday, March 23rd 2011
Mimi
I am really looking forward to this book. I am fascinated by the Holocaust and usually end up loving books related to it. I currently reading Those Who Save Us By Jenna Blum.