This was a beautiful narrative of four different individuals brought together by Gustloff tragedy.
I hadnt read [a:Ruta Sepetys|3407448|Ruta Sepetys|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1344869981p2/3407448.jpg] before - but I will certainly do so. Her language, and story telling was simply fabulous.
I loved the mystery in each of the background plots of the characters, the historical facts about the Gustloff, the Amber Room, the flow of the plot from the different points of view - all the elements put together made a wonderful, moving story. I feel guilty in admitting I had very less idea about the true story of the ship and the massive evacuation - but it just shows how war brings nothing but misery, loss, pain and destruction to both sides, irrespective of who the victor is.
The poignant story of Florian, Joana and Emilia made me smile at times, and cry quite a number of times, and Alfred was indeed an example of the unfortunate brainwashed youths under the Nazi regime, who in the end were just misled, disillusioned boys. However, the characters will remain with me for quite some time.