He paused for a few moments, motionless, and then began slamming the stone against the markings, harder and harder. He beat the floorboards with such force that I thought he might break his hand. I moved toward him. Andrius stopped me.
“Let him do it,” he said.
I looked at him, uncertain.
“Better that he gets used to it,” he said.
Used to what, the feeling of uncontrolled anger? Or a sadness so deep, like your very core has been hollowed out and fed back to you from a dirty bucket?
I looked at Andrius, his face still warped with bruising. He saw me staring. “Are you used to it?” I asked.
A muscle in his jaw twitched. He pulled a cigarette butt from his pocket and lit it. “Yeah,” he said, blowing a stream of smoke into the air. “I’m used to it.”
(from Between Shades of Gray, page 72)
Only a cold-hearted person could read Between Shades of Gray without crying or feeling at the very least incredibly sad. It’s hard to believe this is Ruta Sepetys’ first novel because her writing hits you in the gut and pulls at your heart over and over again, and she knows just how to pace a story and make her characters come to life. The only downside to this book is that it ended before I was ready to say good-bye to the characters.
Between Shades of Gray draws attention to a little known event of World War II: the Soviet invasion of Lithuania and the deportation or execution of Lithuanians deemed anti-Soviet. The book is geared toward young adult readers, but adults will get swept away and fall in love with the characters, too. In this novel based on her father’s family and survivors’ stories, Sepetys personalizes things by focusing on the Vilkas family: 15-year-old, Lina, 10-year-old Jonas, and their mother, Elena. Lina’s father, a university provost, was arrested and sent to a prison camp. In June 1941, the NKVD, the Soviet secret police, arrest the rest of the Vilkas family and deport them to a labor camp (a collective farm) in Siberia. Lina is a talented artist, and her hope is that she can use her art to depict their journey, pass these messages on to her father so her family can be reunited, and tell the world the truth about what happened to them.
The book is told from the first-person viewpoint of Lina, and the fact that she is in such cramped quarters with other deportees makes it possible for readers to really get to know the supporting characters. From the generous, big-hearted Elena and the innocent Jonas to the strong Andrius and the cranky, whining, and dependent bald man, Sepetys shows how the deportations affected so many people. Sepetys does a great job creating numerous well-rounded characters and showing their evolution, which can be difficult when the story is told through the eyes of a single character.
Between Shades of Gray is a coming-of-age story of sorts, with Lina imprisoned during her milestone 16th birthday. I loved that despite all the hardships and horrors, Sepetys infuses her story with hope and love. The people had so little, but most were willing to share and use their limited strength and resources to help the wounded, the sick, and the weak. Rather than give up and die, these people persevered. They celebrated holidays by sharing memories, and they channeled their anger into survival. For Lina, her art is what keeps her sane amidst so much death and cruelty.
Most of all, I loved how Sepetys drew me into the story from the very beginning. Her descriptions are so vivid that I could never forget how cold, hungry, dirty, and exhausted the deportees were, how they were forced to dig and farm for a little piece of bread and use scraps to build a shelter from the deadly snowstorms. And even when portraying the evil NKVD commanders and guards, Sepetys underscores the fact that not every one was completely devoid of heart or soul; there are shades of gray in the world that can make navigating its people confusing.
Between Shades of Gray was sad and heartbreaking, but at the same time, I couldn’t put it down. I finished this 344-page book in about a day. When I wasn’t reading, the story and the characters were with me…and about a week after finishing the book, they still are. I’ve read dozens of World War II books over the past couple of years, but none dealt with the Lithuanian deportations. The thousands and thousands of deportees who survived were forced to keep the trials they endured at the hands of the NKVD a secret long after the war, given that Lithuania remained under Soviet control until the 1990s, but Between Shades of Gray gives them a voice and aims to ensure we never forget.
Disclosure: I borrowed Between Shades of Gray from my local library. I am an IndieBound affiliate and an Amazon associate.
© 2011 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
i was also amazed that this was sepetys first book. some passages and events literally took my breath away and i felt terrible for not being more aware of this part of history. glad to see you appreciated this one, too.
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The writing really was wonderful. I find that the more I read, the more I learn.
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This book felt very personal to me and I loved it! I was so glad to see someone write about these events since they affected my family.
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Sounds like it was an even more worthwhile read for you!
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Sad and heartbreaking 😦 But still a story that should be read so perhaps. And I love the simplicity of the cover
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The cover fits the book perfectly.
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I have this one on my shelves. I really need to get to it. I am always taken by the stories of WWII that are of groups of people you don’t normally hear anything about. These stories are everywhere. I loved the video that Kathy showed on her blog when she reviewed the book. It is so touching.
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The Girl and I watched the video right after I scheduled the review. Now I have to buy a copy of the book because she really wants to read it. It was very touching.
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I haven’t read this one, but this sounds like one I should borrow. I’ve always wondered, on a side note, why 16th birthdays are so important and considered a right of passage for girls.
But I digress. Sounds like a captivating book I’ll have to borrow from you.
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Unfortunately, I don’t own this book; I borrowed it from the library. But it was so good that I’m going to have to buy a copy for my “favorites” shelf at some point. I really do think you should read it.
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I loved loved loved this book! Your review definitely reminded me how amazing this book is.
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Thanks! Amazing is a perfect word to describe this book.
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So glad you liked it! I thought it was wonderful also.
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After all the glowing, emotional reviews, I just had to read it for myself.
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Sounds like a very powerful read. I love the cover. It’s innocent yet hints at something much darker.
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I love how the green poking up out of the snow indicates hope amid the hardship.
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Everyone loves this book! My library has it, I think I’ll have to bump it up on my TBR list. Great review!
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Thanks! You definitely need to get your hands on a copy!
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Oh my goodness! This book sounds incredible. Why is it still sitting in my TBR pile? I love books that teach you something you didn’t already know about.
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That’s part of the beauty of reading. I hope you get to it soon.
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It’s been my fervent prayer that Wars are not repeated but it looks like the world love war. We jump into it and ask no questions. In fact, if those who claim to hate war were to stand against it, the world would be peaceful. But somewhere within ourselves, we believe that if it isn’t happening to us, it isn’t happening. People are killed by so-called peace-loving countries. People are killed by so-called freedom-fighters. And it makes me wonder, would it ever stop? these wars!
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I ask myself the same thing, why we don’t learn from past horrors, why we think that killing people solves the world’s problems. I guess we just need to keep praying.
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I’ve heard so many good things about this book. Your review was very touching and I can see that I must read this one soon. I don’t know much about Lithuania, but I’m so glad that this story is coming out now, finally. Thanks for sharing!
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Yes, Kay, you must read it soon!
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This makes another positive review for this book. Now I have to look for it, your review moved me to think about War and the wreaking havoc it reaps for generations to come. Great review – seriously … nothing gets me more excited than reading the passion evoked by the author’s creativity.
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Then you have to watch the video on BermudaOnion’s review. The author talks about her inspiration for the book, and there are clips of interviews with the survivors.
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Great review, sounds like an amazing book!
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Thanks! It was!
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You’ve made me want to buy a copy of this one!!!!
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Great! I’m going to buy a copy, too, since I have to own it!
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That sounds like a very good read! I do like reading WWII books, so I’ll be keeping this one in mind for the next time the mood strikes me.
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I do hope you have a chance to read it.
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I’m looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for the thought provoking review.
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My pleasure! Looking forward to your thoughts.
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I received this book awhile ago, but still haven’t read it (the story of my blogging life). Thanks for reminding me to check it out!
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I hear ya. I hope you have a chance to read it soon!
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Wow! SOunds like an amazing book and I love the cover. You have written an amazing and heartfelt review, love it.
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Thanks, Veens!
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I can’t wait to read this one. It’s been in my TBR forever (well, since the fall!) and everyone’s raving. I know I’ll love it even if it sounds a little YA for me, LOL.
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I think you should read it. I honestly never felt like I was reading a YA novel.
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I loved this one! I couldn’t put it down. I’m reading Sarah’s Key and it’s similar. Great read!
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I’ll keep an eye out for your review of Sarah’s Key. Sarah’s story was so heartbreaking. Hope you’re reading with tissues nearby.
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I’ve heard great things about this book. Just seeing the book trailer had me in tears. I’ve read first-hand stories of Lithuanians of my faith who were deported and they are heart-breaking but very hopeful.
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You’ll definitely want to read this book then.
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what a great review. I’ll have to add this book to my TBR list.
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Thanks, Susan!
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I bought this one last month and haven’t found time for it yet – it sounds like I should get to it soon!
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Yes, yes! I look forward to your thoughts.
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This is one of my favorite reads this year. I have to confess I knew little about the events in the book. I learned so much reading this book. It was heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time.
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I’m quite sure this book will make my end-of-the-year favorites list. Glad you really loved it, too.
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I’ve been curious about htis one and yours is a great review. Not sure it’s for me though.
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It’s definitely not for everyone. You really have to be passionate about WWII history and not mind depressing stories.
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Sounds good! I will have to see about getting a copy!
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I really hope you have time to read it!
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Great review, Anna! Just wondering, what do you think is Lina’s most admirable trait? Thank you, loving your blog!!!
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Perseverance. That’s the first word that comes to mind.
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