Between Shades of Gray- By Ruta Sepetys

This book brings to light a period of World War II history that has been forgotten, or for which much has not been written. It is set in the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. I was not much aware of this chapter in World History and hence this setting intrigued me. 

The book revolves around Lina who is a young Lithuanian girl whose father is arrested by the Soviet Union and one night she, her mother and brother are herded onto trains by Soviet soldiers, who take them as prisoners, along-with other residents of these lands. These trains eventually take them to the cold freezing corners of Siberia, winding up in the Arctic Circle. The book describes their pain, misery and sufferings while describing their journey from their homes to the unknown Siberian lands. It beautifully captures how these people keep up with humanity while being engulfed into the sea of starvation and death. 

The book's character Lina, is an artist who describes her feelings through her art. She longs to see her father and never gives up hope even when all the doors seem shut. Lina's mother, Elena, is a strong woman who is like a ray of hope for all of them when everything else has fallen apart. The book also shows us, through a Soviet soldier Nikolai, that there can be Samaritans even on the side of our enemies who are nonetheless a pawn of circumstances themselves. 

This book aches your heart as you turn its pages. You feel their helplessness and harrowing pain and your heart wishes you could help them but at the same time you feel like celebrating the small bouts of happiness which the characters stumble upon. 

The book justifies its title, 'Between Shades of Gray' as just like the color grey which symbolizes maturity, reliability and elegance, it also stands for dullness, depression and loss just like our spirits which have the ability to hope and shine even in the darkest of dungeons. 

Albeit, the ending left me wanting for more as it seemed a bit inconclusive. I found this book to be well-researched, inspiring and enlightening. It moves the deepest tissues of your heart as you turn its pages. 

I feel it deserves a 4 on 5 rating. Hope you found this useful.