Between Shades of Gray

Between Shades of Gray is a beautifully written novel about a part of World War II that is often overlooked. Lina’s family is deported from Lithuania and are forced to work in labor camps in Siberia. The story follows their harrowing journey by truck, cattle car, and boat to the far reaches of Siberia. Here they are forced survive for years working for Russian soldiers by building them barracks, while they themselves live in driftwood lean-tos in the dead of the Siberia winter.

Although this story is difficult to read, because there were thousands of people who were forced to live this life, I believe it’s an important story that needs to be told, especially to young adults, because they are our future.

Title: Between Shades of Gray
Author: Ruth Sepetys
Publisher: Philomel
Page Number: 344 pgs.