76 pages 2 hours read

Ruta Sepetys

Salt to the Sea

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Salt to the Sea, by Ruta Sepetys, is set during World War II as the Third Reich collapses and follows four young protagonists—Joana, Florian, Emilia, and Alfred—each harboring secrets and seeking safety amid the chaos of evacuation in East Prussia. As they journey toward the Wilhelm Gustloff ship in an effort to escape, they navigate personal traumas, form unexpected bonds, and confront their pasts. The novel delves into themes of war, loss, and the redefinition of family. This book contains depictions of war violence, sexual assault, and trauma.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys is lauded for its compelling storytelling and rich historical detail, bringing the lesser-known tragedy of the Wilhelm Gustloff to life. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and emotional depth. However, some critics find the multiple narrators occasionally confusing. Overall, it’s a poignant, educational read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Salt to the Sea?

Readers who relish historical fiction, particularly about lesser-known WWII events, will find Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys compelling. Teens and adults who enjoyed The Book Thief by Markus Zusak or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will appreciate its poignant storytelling and richly drawn characters.

RecommendedReading Age

13-18years

Lexile Level

HL560L

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Romance

Action / Adventure

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Memory

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Period

WWII / World War II

Topics

Military / War

History: World