Title: Salt to the Sea
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Type: Fiction
Genre: Teens, Young Adult
Publisher: Philomel Books
Sold by: Penguin Group USA
Date Published: Feb. 2 2016
Format: E-book (sneak peek)
Page Count: N/A
Source: NetGalley

Summary: World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, many with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer to safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people—adults and children alike—aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.

★★★★★

Note: This being a review of a sneak peek, it will be short and containing little detail.

I normally don’t pick up books that have to do with subjects like WWII, and when I do and I read the summary and find out what the book is about, I usually set it down.

I thought that I would give this sneak peek a try though, since it was included in the Penguin Young Readers Group’s “Spring 2016 Penguin Teen Preview Sampler.” And I do not regret my decision.

While I normally avoid reading books with serious, and sad, subject matter because they leave me intensely affected afterward, Ruta Sepetys’ Salt to the Sea pulled me in by the first paragraph. Although this was a sneak peek, I feel as if I already know the characters, and I find myself already caring for them.

The setting was set up in a subtle manner, the picture of the landscape being painted through small observations made by each character as they narrate each of their sections. The book alternates between the perspectives of four teenagers, each of who’s voice is very distinct, and discernible from the others.

I cannot wait to get my hands on a complete version of this book!

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