BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sepetys, Ruta. (2011). Between Shades of Gray. (E. Klein, Narrator) [Audiobook]. South Texas Digital Libraries https://southtexas.overdrive.com/media/543193 ISBN 9781101978245
PLOT SUMMARY
Ruta Sepetys writes the story about Lina, a frightened fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl, who is abruptly taken from her home by the Soviet officers. Along with Lina, they also abruptly took her mother, little brother, and her father. The officers pack them in along with people who are on “the list” into a tiny, crowded train made for animals. Little do all these terrified people know, they are on their way to Siberian work camps. Even though some people are badly injured, they are being taken away in despair waiting to see what their future holds.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lina’s mother is such a brave, strong mother facing uncertainty about her family’s safety. But she continues confidently to speak to her family with reassurance and such certainty that she knows they will be fine, meanwhile, other people who are sharing the same space are telling them that they are “dead and this is the end”. I found myself relating to Lina’s mother. This consists of the duties of a mother on a day-to-day basis. Doesn’t matter if they are in danger or not, the mom is always keeping the family together and afloat.
Ruta Sepetys does an amazing job writing this powerful and suspenseful novel. Easily I could envision what was happening in the story and I found myself frightened for them. The narrator, Emily Klein, did a fantastic job of narrating the story using different tones for the characters. It was fast-paced and easy to follow along with the story. You will not want to put this one down!
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
“A superlative first novel. A hefty emotional punch.”
--The New York Times Book Review
“Few books are beautifully written, fewer still are important; this novel is both.”
--The Washington Post
"Beautiful…a superb though grueling novel.”
--The Wall Street Journal
“An eye-opening reimagination of a very real tragedy written with grace and heart.”
--Los Angeles Times
CONNECTIONS
“In terrifying detail, Ruta Sepetys re-creates World War II coming of age all too timely today. Between Shades of Gray is a document long overdue.”
--Richard Peck, Newbery Award-winning author of A Year Down Yonder
AWARDS
Best Fiction for Young Adults
Notable Children's Books
William C. Morris Debut Young Adult Award Finalist
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