Reviews with content warning for Injury/Injury detail - Salt to the Sea

A very emotional, tough journey as we follow four young refugees trying to escape the chaos and destruction of WWII. I found myself connecting to the characters, especially the shoe poet (a.k.a. Opi), Joana, and Emilia. I was rooting for them the whole way through, except for Alfred. He was sad and pathetic excuse of a man. But besides that, I wanted everyone else to find some peace and solace.

I appreciate how Ruth Sepetys did some in-depth research into the real tragedies that this book is based upon. The interviews with people involved at that time was a nice touch. Sepetys sheds light to a WWII tragedy most have never heard of. And she does a damn good job of it.

“When the survivors are gone we must not let the truth disappear with them. Please give them a voice.”

Content Warnings

kallio08's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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julieclair's review against another edition

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adventurous informative reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Un-put-downable historical fiction, about the evacuation of German citizens as the Russians invaded German-occupied East Prussia towards the end of World War II. Told from 4 points of view, in short alternating chapters. Rich character development, fascinating story line, and heart-wrenching, realistic details about the horrors encountered by the refugees trying to flee. Human goodness and human cruelty, courage and cowardice, are all displayed. Well researched. This one will stay with me a long time.

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juliamb's review against another edition

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emotional informative sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Content Warnings

erinlikesstories's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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cammiem8's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

While it took a while to get into and I really dislike multiple POVs, the third act had me on the edge of my seat and before I knew it, I’d read 150 pages and finished it before bed. I respect the author for experimenting with form, but I much prefer the writing style of Between Shades of Gray.

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julia1579e's review against another edition

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dark emotional informative sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

literally heart wrenching. i cant believe i didn't know about this disaster before i read this book.

alfred was beyond awful and an actual psychopath omg i'm glad he died

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