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.

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.

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.

Melancholic / Mysterious / Emotional / Suspenseful / Unnerving

**Joana**  
A 21-year-old Lithuanian refugee and trained surgical assistant haunted by guilt, who naturally assumes the role of leader in the group while experiencing personal growth through her compassionate actions and experiences during wartime.

**Florian**  
A 19 or 20-year-old East Prussian who epitomizes the romantic hero, battling through war and personal betrayal. He grows by embracing vulnerability and forming deep connections with others, including the formation of a new family.

**Emilia**  
A 15-year-old Polish girl, pregnant, who embodies innocence and bravery amid trauma. She becomes a key figure who symbolizes hope, and through her nurturing spirit, she binds the group together.

**Alfred**  
A delusional 17-year-old German soldier who idolizes Nazi ideology and serves as a foil to Florian, offering a perspective on fear, insecurity, and the war's impact on the mind.

**Ingrid**  
A blind young German woman whose heightened other senses and courageous spirit contribute significantly to the group until her untimely death, leaving a lasting impact.

**Eva**  
A bold and unapologetic six-foot-tall woman who represents truth and freedom, offering a stark contrast with the more secretive characters. She survives by going her unique path.

**The Shoe Poet (Heinz)**  
An elderly cobbler with deep wisdom expressed through his poetic musings about shoes, serving as the group's sage and a constant source of stability and inspiration.

**The Little Boy (Klaus or Wandering Boy)**  
A young orphan symbolizing innocence, hope, and the future. He forms a family bond with Joana and Florian, contributing to the story's theme of resilience and renewal.

**Dr. Lange and Gauleiter Koch**  
Key figures from Florian's past, involved in hiding stolen art for Hitler. Their actions lead to Florian's disillusionment and eventual rebellion against the oppressive regime.

**The Kleist Family**  
A German family with whom Emilia stays in East Prussia. Their treatment of her, particularly Frau Kleist's betrayal, highlights themes of prejudice and survival amidst wartime treachery.

- Salt to the Sea is a historical fiction novel by Ruta Sepetys that sheds light on one of the lesser-known maritime disasters, the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff during World War II, which had a human toll more significant than the Titanic.
- The author, Ruta Sepetys, is widely recognized for her thorough research process, which included interviewing survivors and visiting museums and historical sites to accurately depict the events surrounding the Wilhelm Gustloff tragedy.
- Salt to the Sea received the 2017 Carnegie Medal, a prestigious award recognizing outstanding books written for children and young people.

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