Around the World in 80 Books discussion

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Fifteen year old Lina, along with her mother and brother, are deported from Lithuania in 1941 by the Soviet Secret Police. They are sent to Soviet work camps, eventually ending up in brutal conditions in Siberia. Lina's father has been sent to prison. Lina, the narrator, was a gutsy, strong young woman and a wonderful artist who told her story in the sketches she made while in the work camps. In spite of the terrible situation, the prisoners tried to help each other and keep hope alive.

It was hard to put this book down. The book was well-written with very believable characters. Although Lina's family is fictional, there were more than twenty million people who were killed by Stalin during his reign of terror. It told a story that we should all read since the plight of the nations of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland during World War II is often forgotten.

I really enjoyed this book. It inspired me to pick up Woman in Exile: My Life in Kazakhstan about a female who is sent to Kazakhstan from the Ukraine while Russia is under Stalin's rule, as a political prisoner

I'll add it to my list of books to read. Thanks, Dee.

I really can't wait to read this! My library actually has a two person wait list for this, I don't think I've ever seen a wait list where I live!

I am reading it now and almost finished. It is a very well-written book.

I just finished this and was wondering which country you attributed it to? I am torn since so much of it is who they are as Lithuanians but the reality of Siberian influence is so strong too. Your thoughts?

N wrote: "I just finished this and was wondering which country you attributed it to? I am torn since so much of it is who they are as Lithuanians but the reality of Siberian influence is so strong too. Your ..."

It could be counted as either country. I counted it as Lithuania even though much of the book took place in Siberia.

i counted it as Lithuaia - because while it was set in Siberia, the majority of the people were Lithuanian and influenced by their culture etc