Book Review: Salt to the Sea

By: Haley Troha

Ruta Sepetys’ Salt to the Sea is a sensational and compelling historical fiction novel set towards the end of World War II. It follows the stories of four people: Florian, Joana, Emilia, and Alfred, as they all race to secure passage onto the Wilhelm Gustloff, the ship that is their last hope at escaping both the war and their own personal demons. While each character has their own dark secrets and fears, they all must come together in order to reach the ship and outrun the troops that have chased them from their homes. Similar to Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See, Salt to the Sea is a well written, heartbreaking look at the horrors of World War II.

Salt to the Sea is the Wheaton North Book Club’s pick for April’s book. Come after school to the library on April 4th to discuss it with other book lovers!