Between Shades of Gray

by Ruta Sepetys
Between Shades of Gray cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £8.99–£9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 7018
  • Added: 2025-12-08
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780141335889
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2011-04-07
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Between Shades of Gray,' fifteen-year-old Lina and her family are forcibly removed from their home in Lithuania and sent to Siberia, accused of being 'anti-Soviet.' The story is told from Lina's perspective, offering a raw and emotional account of their harrowing journey and the struggle to survive in the harsh conditions of a Siberian work camp. Lina's unwavering hope and determination to reunite with her father and friends drive the narrative, making it a powerful exploration of resilience and the human spirit. /n/nThe novel is a first-person recount, providing an intimate and personal view of the historical events. It is suggested for secondary-level readers, indicating its suitability for young adults. The book's themes of survival, hope, and the impact of political oppression make it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
Frappes and Fiction · 2020-08-24
impactful 4.00

They highlight the book's unique and forgotten story of WWII, exposing the experiences of those caught between the Nazis and the Soviets. They find it a moving and impactful read.

The reviewer at Frappes and Fiction emphasizes the uniqueness of the story told in this book, which sheds light on a often overlooked aspect of WWII. They appreciate the book's ability to expose the experiences of those caught between the Nazis and the Soviets, making it a moving and impactful read. The reviewer also notes that the book is well-researched and the characters are well-developed, adding depth to the narrative. They find the book to be both educational and emotionally resonant, making it a valuable addition to the historical fiction genre.

Quick quotes

    Between Shades of Gray tells a unique and forgotten story of WW2, exposing the experiences of all the people caught between both the Nazis and the Soviets.

    The book is well-researched and the characters are well-developed, adding depth to the narrative.

    It is both educational and emotionally resonant, making it a valuable addition to the historical fiction genre.

Literary Elephant · 2017-07-20
educational 4.00

They appreciate the book's suitability for young readers, as it conveys the horrors of war through morals rather than graphic scenes. They find it a compelling and educational read.

The reviewer highlights that this book is particularly well-suited for young adult readers, as it handles the heavy themes of war and suffering in a way that is thought-provoking without being overly graphic. They mention that the narrative is compelling and the historical context is well-researched, making it an educational read that does not shy away from the harsh realities of the time. The reviewer also appreciates the way the book conveys the moral lessons of war and resilience, making it a valuable addition to the genre.

Quick quotes

    This is a suitable book for young YA readers, as the horrors of war are related as morals rather than gory scenes.

    The narrative is compelling and the historical context is well-researched.

    It's a valuable addition to the genre, conveying moral lessons of war and resilience.

The Guardian · 2011-06-24
powerful 4.50

They praise the fluid and compelling narrative, noting that the story is both restrained and powerful in its depiction of historical events.

The reviewer from The Guardian commends the fluid narrative of the book, which they find both compelling and restrained. They note that the story effectively conveys the horrors of the cattle trucks and the gulag, as well as the cruelty of the Soviet guards, without being overly sensational. The reviewer appreciates the historical accuracy and the way the narrative captures the essence of the characters' experiences, making it a powerful and moving read. They also highlight the book's ability to balance the harsh realities of the time with a sense of hope and resilience.

Quick quotes

    The fluid narrative is compelling yet restrained.

    The horrors of the cattle trucks and the gulag, the cruelty of the Soviet guards, are all conveyed effectively.

    The book balances the harsh realities of the time with a sense of hope and resilience.

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