Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Guilt is a hunter.
Fate is a hunter.
Shame is a hunter.
Fear is a hunter.
"Winter, 1945. Four teenagers. Four secrets.
Each one born of a different homeland; each one hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies…and war.
As thousands of desperate refugees flock to the coast in the midst of a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom.
Yet not all promises can be kept.
Inspired by the single greatest tragedy in maritime history, bestselling and award-winning author Ruta Sepetys (Between Shades of Gray) lifts the veil on a shockingly little-known casualty of World War II. An illuminating and life-affirming tale of heart and hope." (goodreads)
I have never read a historical fiction book, nor thought it would be something I would really enjoy. Usually once or twice a year I rewatch one of my favorite movies, Titanic, and get completely obsessed all over again with it all. I have had my eye on Salt to the Sea since it was released but it wasn't until I again rewatched Titanic two months ago that made me realize I couldn't put it off any longer. I HAD to read this book.
I knew two things about this book. The first that it took place during World War II in the time of Hitler and Stalin. And last, that it was a truly heartbreaking read, which it was. I knew a little about the Wilmer Gustoff from history class in high school. I knew it was a german boat, and I knew that it sinks. Which isn't a spoiler in my option since it is clear one the cover and that it has already happened in history.
The book was very different from what I thought it would be. It follows four characters, ranging in age, that are all desperately trying to escape the war. Their stories start off separately, but as the story goes on they intersect. There was one particular character that I found to be a little boring at times, which when you read this will understand who I mean. I thought about skipping that persons chapters but I didn't and it's important not to. The character is indeed important and definitely adds to the story in a dark way.
I really enjoyed the short chapters, it felt like I was getting through the book a lot faster and didn't feel boring. It got really to the point and just as you got little pieces of information for a character the chapter would end and you moved onto a different character.
Salt to the Sea was a beautiful story that I think is very unrated and more people should pick this up and read it and talk about it! It was amazing to see the views of the war and dictators depending where the characters were from. The map at the beginning of the war and after were so helpful to relate back to when learning the different origins of the characters.
Each one born of a different homeland; each one hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies…and war.
As thousands of desperate refugees flock to the coast in the midst of a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom.
Yet not all promises can be kept.
Inspired by the single greatest tragedy in maritime history, bestselling and award-winning author Ruta Sepetys (Between Shades of Gray) lifts the veil on a shockingly little-known casualty of World War II. An illuminating and life-affirming tale of heart and hope." (goodreads)
I have never read a historical fiction book, nor thought it would be something I would really enjoy. Usually once or twice a year I rewatch one of my favorite movies, Titanic, and get completely obsessed all over again with it all. I have had my eye on Salt to the Sea since it was released but it wasn't until I again rewatched Titanic two months ago that made me realize I couldn't put it off any longer. I HAD to read this book.
I knew two things about this book. The first that it took place during World War II in the time of Hitler and Stalin. And last, that it was a truly heartbreaking read, which it was. I knew a little about the Wilmer Gustoff from history class in high school. I knew it was a german boat, and I knew that it sinks. Which isn't a spoiler in my option since it is clear one the cover and that it has already happened in history.
The book was very different from what I thought it would be. It follows four characters, ranging in age, that are all desperately trying to escape the war. Their stories start off separately, but as the story goes on they intersect. There was one particular character that I found to be a little boring at times, which when you read this will understand who I mean. I thought about skipping that persons chapters but I didn't and it's important not to. The character is indeed important and definitely adds to the story in a dark way.
I really enjoyed the short chapters, it felt like I was getting through the book a lot faster and didn't feel boring. It got really to the point and just as you got little pieces of information for a character the chapter would end and you moved onto a different character.
Salt to the Sea was a beautiful story that I think is very unrated and more people should pick this up and read it and talk about it! It was amazing to see the views of the war and dictators depending where the characters were from. The map at the beginning of the war and after were so helpful to relate back to when learning the different origins of the characters.
I truly loved this book and highly recommend if you are looking for a beautifully written, intense, gripping book. Even if you are not a fan of historical fiction, it is worth picking up, this book has its own version of horrors and feel good moments.
Salt to the Sea is an emotional roller coaster.
And fellow Titanic fans, this book is a new devastating disaster that will pull your heart down to the bottom of the ocean.
My Rating: 5/5 Stars
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