“Salt to the Sea” by Ruta Sepetys is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the tragedy of the Wilhelm Gustloff disaster. The story follows four young individuals from different backgrounds whose paths intersect as they seek refuge and escape the tragedies of war. Joana, a Lithuanian nurse; Florian, a Prussian artist with a mysterious past; Emilia, a pregnant Polish girl; and Alfred, a delusional German sailor, all carry deep secrets and emotional burdens. Together, they go on a journey to board the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship believed to provide safety and freedom. As they find out the truths of the past and try to survive, the characters’ lives intertwine, ending the book with the Wilhelm Gustloff sinking
Review:
“Salt to the Sea” is a beautifully written and emotional novel that tell us about a tragic but overlooked event in history. Ruta Sepetys weaves together the lives of her diverse characters, which helps tell the story so much better.
The book’s strength lies in its well-developed characters, each with their own unique struggles and vulnerabilities. You will find yourself deeply invested in their fates, empathizing with their pain and struggles. Sepetys switches between the perspectives of Joana, Florian, Emilia, and Alfred, allowing you to see the war from multiple angles and understand their thoughts behind their actions.
Furthermore, the historical accuracy and attention to detail in “Salt to the Sea” is so well done. I remember learning about this tragedy in school and even though we very breifly covered it, Sepetys wrote the story with such accuracy which makes the story more enjoyable
In conclusion, “Salt to the Sea” is a must read for people who love historical fiction, particularly people interested in World War II narratives. Ruta Sepetys delivers a compelling and heart-rending tale of humanity’s strength and vulnerability amidst the darkest of times. This book will stay in your long after you finish it. I loved the book, it really gave me a new perspective on WWII.
