Salt to the Sea Book Review

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

This is an amazing book.

It was the winner of the CILIP Carnegie Medal in 2017 and I can understand why.

Ruta Sepetys is an extremely talented writer. I love historical novels and I’ve read many set during WWII, but through this book, I learned so many things I never knew.

I so enjoy learning through reading!

Winter 1945. Four refugees. Four Secrets.

The book is written in an unusual way.  There are four main characters, and each chapter is in one of the character’s POV.  They alternate all through the book.

At first, this was a tad confusing but once I adjusted to the rhythm I realized that this was a wonderful way to tell such an involved story.

• Chapter One – Joana – Guilt is a hunter.
• Chapter Two – Florian – Fate is a hunter.
• Chapter Three – Emilia – Shame is a hunter.
• Chapter Four – Alfred – Fear is a hunter.

The reader immediately knows that this will be an intense book.

These four young people are traveling across East Prussia to escape the Russian army’s advance.

Most of my WWII knowledge centers around America, England and France.  I’m sure the Germans dreaded the victorious American army, but I don’t believe they were petrified with fear.

The fear of the victorious Russians is palpable.  

The four characters are from different countries; Lithuania, Germany, Prussia, and Poland but they are all running for their lives and they all harbor secrets and regrets.

Their goal is to reach the sea where Germany has ships waiting to take soldiers and refugees to a safer area.  Once they reach the shore they must struggle to be allowed on a ship.  The German soldiers are the most important passengers, and many civilians are left behind to face the Russian army.

The main characters board the Wilhelm Gustloff.

I had never heard of this ship even though its sinking was six times deadlier than the Titanic.

The Wilhelm Gustloff was torpedoed by the Russians. The ship was full of civilians but there were German soldiers and military equipment on board which made it an acceptable target in the war.

The characters are wonderfully drawn.

I felt like I knew each one like a friend.

Except Alfred.  I would never be friends with Alfred.  He was a Nazi through and through.  In reading Alfred’s POV the reader learns just how hypnotizing Hitler’s lies could be.

Joana is a skilled nurse.  She’s strong and determined but plagued by guilt.

Florian is excellent at forgery.  He has been working with the Germans who have confiscated art from other countries.

Emilia is only fifteen, but she has faced a lot of tragedy. I don’t recommend this book to younger teens because of the horrors she endured. 

I do highly recommend this book to older teens and adults.  The author doesn’t back down on the cruelty of that time, but it is not graphic. 

There isn’t any bad language.  There is a sweet romance between Joana and Florian. They do kiss a few times.

There is sexual content surrounding Emilia. Alfred shows the level of intense hatred some people are capable of.

This is not an easy book, but it allows the reader to experience a piece of history that not many are aware of.

For writers, this book is a learning experience in the use of so many POVs.

Comment below and let me know if you’ve read this or any other Ruta Sepetys books.