This book covers the largest loss of life in maritime history- the sinking of the German Wilhelm Gustloff in January 1945. It was torpedoed by Soviet forces during WWII. Over 9,000 people lost their lives including many civilians (including children). The book is told in very short chapters from 4 different characters: Florian, a Prussian man fleeing his post, Emilia, a pregnant 15 year old Polish girl, Joana, a Lithuanian medical assistant, and Alfred, a young Nazi. Most of the book (about 75% ...

I have never been so simultaneously sad and angry while reading a book in my whole life

“How foolish to believe we are more powerful than the sea or the sky.” ALL THE FEELS! Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys nurtured my body, it fed my soul, it made my heart soar. I also had a wave of despair and a feeling of intense longing when the book ended, coming to the unfortunate and fortunate realization that I would be experiencing a book hangover. (A phenomenon that occurs when you read something so good, you think you will never find something quite as good again)This book was by no means...

Ruta's work is a gift.

Such a beautiful yet tragic story. Ruta Sepetys has such a way with words. Video review to come

Update: Here is my video review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oubBC...This book is a masterpiece. It takes place during WW2 and follows 4 characters as they are seeking freedom on the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety to all. Going into it I was very apprehensive about reading it. Historical fiction is not a genre I typically reach for. But this book blew me away. It's safe to say that this book was the best book I have read this year. The writing in the book was so phenomenal. The...

(4.5)
This book was beautiful. It's gonna take a minute for all my thoughts to set in. Video review to come!

I try, I really do, but Sepetys's war stories do nothing for me. Yes, I know I'm in the minority. I was one of few who didn't love her debut - Between Shades of Gray - and much preferred her second book - Out of the Easy. Now she returns to World War II and, once again, I don't get it.As with her first novel, I feel a little uncomfortable being negative about these kinds of books. This was a horrific time when some terrible atrocities were committed and I applaud the author for always focusing o...

This book leveled me. I was unprepared. Beautiful.