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Between Shades of Gray

Between Shades of Gray

Historical FictionWorld War II
Pages
344
Published
2011
Language
English

Synopsis

In 1941, fifteen-year-old Lina's ordinary life in Lithuania shatters when Soviet officers deport her family to a Siberian work camp. Separated from her father, Lina clings to her art, secretly documenting their harrowing journey and brutal conditions, hoping her drawings will reach him. This powerful story follows Lina's fight for survival, fueled by love, hope, and incredible strength across thousands of miles and years.

Prose complexity
4/10

Vibe

SadEmotionalInspiring
SurvivalComing of AgeFamily Saga

Genres

Historical Fiction World War II Young Adult History

About the author

R
Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys (Rūta Šepetys) is an internationally acclaimed author of historical fiction published in over fifty countries and thirty-six languages. Sepetys is considered a “crossover” novelist as her books are read by both students and adults worldwide. Her novels, Between Shades of Gray and Out of the Easy are both New York Times bestsellers and international bestsellers. Her latest novel, Salt to the Sea, is a #1 New York Times bestseller and winner of the Carnegie Medal. Her books have won o...

Characters

Lina VilkasProtagonist
All characters in Between Shades of Gray

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Between Shades of Gray based on a true story?

    The novel is a work of historical fiction, but it is grounded in real events: the Soviet deportations of Lithuanians, Latvians, and Estonians to Siberian labor camps under Stalin starting in 1941. Ruta Sepetys drew on her own family history and interviews with survivors and their relatives to write Lina's story.

  • Is there a movie based on Between Shades of Gray?

    Yes. The novel was adapted into the 2018 film Ashes in the Snow, starring Bel Powley as Lina.

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