Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Salt to the Sea is a historical fictional novel based on real life events at the end of the second world war. The Wilhelm Gustloff was a real ship involved in the biggest maritime tragedy in history but unlike the sinking of the Titanic, most have never heard of this tragedy, close to ten thousand people lost their lives during that time.
Joana, Emilia, and Florian are among the thousands of refugees trying to flee at the end of World War II. Their paths cross as they are heading toward freedom and trying to board the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises salvation. Forced to unite on their journey through tough circumstances freedom is so close but tragedy strikes.
First, I should admit right away that I’m one of the ones that really did not know anything of the events that this book is based on. This time period isn’t one that I’ve read a lot about so I went into this really not able to say oh that’s a real fact or that isn’t but with the hope that maybe I could learn a thing or two.
My one complaint with this book though was I found the beginning to be a tad bit confusing for me to get into. The chapters are fairly short and each change the prospective of the characters involved so I found it a bit tough to get into and learn who each of them were with it going by so quickly. After you get into the story though it became easier to switch between them.
Overall, very well written and engaging historical fiction based on a true life tragedy during World War II.
Carries Book Reviews 
This reminds me of All The Light We Cannot See so much! That also has short chapters from different POV’s. Lovely review! 🙂
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I saw a lot of comparisons to that one but I haven’t read it either so I can’t say myself. I usually am a bit fan of short chapters but with the switching POVs it was tough to figure out the who is who in the beginning…. I think maybe it didn’t help that the characters don’t trust one another and don’t start using their names so there’s also sort of nicknames in play that you need to match up along the way.
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I really need to get around to reading this one soon!
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I thought I might of been the last one as many reviews as I’ve seen. Hope you enjoy it if you get the chance to pick it up. 🙂
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I almost requested this from NetGalley, but I was trying to practice self control. Thankfully Overdrive has it so I’m on hold for it.☺️
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Haha so now we have skipped the same one only to come back to it? Too funny. I kept seeing reviews and others were reading it this month so I finally picked it up myself.
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Looks like! I’m so glad I can get this on Overdrive now.
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Are we getting to the age now that we think I remember when….? Think of the times we actually had to go to the library and check out a book. LOL
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Most definitely! Although I still have to get my library fix twice a month!
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I rarely ever go these days, prefer the Kindle copies and do that all online so don’t need to unless I’m desperate for one they don’t have any sort of digital copy of which has happened a few times.
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I think it’s because I miss working as a children’s librarian so much, I still need to visit. I also still like reading the occasional print book.😊
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Well that’s understandable. 🙂 I have a bunch of print books I still need to read I already own that I never get around to so it doesn’t make sense for me to go get more when I keep putting those off.
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