Between Shades of Gray
by Ruta Sepetys
I've been on a streak of Historical Fiction and this is a relatively recent book that is extraordinary.
It is by no means an easy story. It is the story of a 15-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. One night the Soviet officers pull them from their home and send them north, into the Arctic to a work camp in Siberia. It chronicles the horrors and cruelties of the Stalin regime and his Siberian work camps.
It is harrowing yet hopeful. It is a wonderful read for the older child, and provides a look into an era of time that isn't chronicled well for the young reader.
I must add that this has been a popular book in my library. I've had it on display and more than once have had a teacher reel in horror as they glance at the title, thinking it is a young adult story in a VERY adult series out on the market. Not even close...
Enjoy!
Thanks for the recommendation. As difficult as the story/subject matter is, it was a very compelling read! I also liked the video interview with the author on her website:
ReplyDeletehttp://rutasepetys.com/books/between-shades-of-gray/