Rating 5/5
Summary from Goodreads:
It's early 1945 and a group of people trek across Germany, bound together by their desperation to reach the ship that can take them away from the war-ravaged land. Four young people, each haunted by their own dark secret, narrate their unforgettable stories. Fans of The Book Thief or Helen Dunmore'sThe Siege will be totally absorbed.
This inspirational novel is based on a true story from the Second World War. When the German ship the Wilhelm Gustloff was sunk in port in early 1945 it had over 9000 civilian refugees, including children, on board. Nearly all were drowned. Ruta Sepetys, acclaimed author of Between Shades of Grey, brilliantly imagines their story. (x)
My thoughts:
I will read anything by Ruta Sepetys so naturally I bought this book. Since I had read her other book I knew there would be tears. This book had so good ratings that I knew I had to have it. This book did not disappoint me.
The Plot:
I liked how the plot was told through the four points of view. It added extra dimension to the plot. I liked the plot and how it gripped me. I could not put the book down( thankfully I was in a car for 14 hours so I had a lot of time to finish the book,) The author really has a talent for writing plot twists that are not easy to guess.
The Characters:
I thought each and every one contributed to moving the plot forward. Each and everyone of them have dark secrets that effect each other;'s fates. I thought each of the four voices had great character development and were not flat at all. They were complex and shaped characters.
After thoughts:
I cried after I finished it. It was so sad and so good at the same time. Everyone needs to read this wonderful book.
