This book should be required reading by all! A powerful story which leaves the reader broken but in a better way for it! History in her hands is more than a look back, it is people such as you and I and those we love. I will look for and read every title Ruta Sepetys writes.

Title: Salt to the Sea

Author: Ruta Sepetys

Pages: 393

Genre: Teen historical fiction

Rating: 4 stars

Salt to the Sea is a young adult historical fiction novel set towards the end of WWII. It's also the fourth or fifth YA novel I've read set during this time period. It foucses on an event that I had never heard about before I read the book. The greatest tragedy in Martine history, even worse than the sinking of the Titanic. I love that the book is told from the point of view of four different teens from four different countries. With nothing in common other than they want to get to safety away from the Russian army and possibly out of Germany as well.

The characters each brought something different to the story and I loved that it was told from different points of views. It's what brought the story life. Each character's point of view allow the story to unfold in a way that wouldn't have happened if only one character had been telling the story.


I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

This is a piece of historical fiction that is very well written yet heartbreaking. It has been awhile since I read the book so I had to review the events but the book and story is not forgettable. Based on true events, it is the story of refugees, fleeing the Russians. If I recall correctly, most of the refugees are either Russian or have been living in Russian territory but are not enemies of the Russian Army. Their plight is tragic and friendships and attachments are quickly made yet secrets kept. Many die of wounds while others die of the cold. I remember feeling cold the entire time I read the book. The people are mostly left in the cold elements.

The story is sad but historically significant as nobody was safe during World War II. The Russian Army were killing their own even while the Nazi Party was orchestrating world domination and invading different countries and murdering by the millions. I don't remember where the people were heading to find solace. I seem to believe it was Sweden where the Red Cross was caring for any who made it across the body of water.

Highly recommend this book, particularly for middle school reading levels and high school for content.