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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys and a Giveaway!


This is one book I am not going to summarize on my own.  I just couldn’t do it justice.

 (From the inside cover)  “Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth?  That morning, my brother’s was worth a pocket watch.

In 1941, fifteen-year –old Lina is preparing for art school, first dates, and all that summer has to offer.  But one night, the Soviet secret police barge violently into her home, deporting her along with her mother and younger brother.  They are being sent to Siberia.  Lina’s father has been separated from the family and sentenced to death in a prison camp.  All is lost.

Lina fights for her life, fearless, vowing that if she survives she will honor her family, and the thousands like hers, by documenting their experiences in her art and writing.  She risks everything to use her art as messages, hoping they will make their way to her father’s prison camp to let him know they are still alive.
It is a long and harrowing journey, and it is only their incredible strength, love and hope that pull Lina and her family through each day.  But will love be enough to keep them alive?”

Last night I stayed up late to finish this book.  Today something in me is changed.  Between the Shades of Grey has moved my heart.  I am reminded of the unspeakable horrors and events surrounding WWII, the reign of Stalin and the great loss of the Baltic Region.  It is a story not often told.  Reading it broke my heart, and then moved it to another place with a vow:  to never forget.  As is often the case, in the midst of the cruelest things people inflict upon one another, hope emerges and the miraculous nature of the human spirit shines through.  I am a better person today, with the powerful reminder to be grateful for what I have and where I am.  My deepest respect and honor for the thousands of people who suffered so much at the hands of evil men.   

This is advance, uncorrected galley that I received for reading and review.  This is not a light hearted read.  The violence is high, the subject matter intense and there are a few instances of light swearing.

This book is on my list of one of the best books of this year.  Without a doubt.

I’d love to put this into the hands of someone else who will read it and provide a review.  One day I might figure out how to do a form, but for today, please just  leave me a comment along with your email.  Giveaway ends Wednesday, March 2nd.

14 comments:

  1. Wow. This is a fantastic review, really powerful and from the heart.

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  2. I love historical fiction. This sounds great. Thanks!

    annettesspot@gmail.com

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  3. AWESOME review! i have just added Between Shades of Grey to my TBR pile! thanks for sharing :)

    Diana

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  4. Great review, Ruta is such a humbling author. I had the privllage of interviewing her a while ago :) Great review, I've really been wanting to read this one.

    fraijikhadija@hotmail.com
    http://blackfingernailedreviews.blogspot.com/

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  5. I've really been wanting to read this one. It's been on my wishlist for a while. Great review. I'm doubly eager for this now.

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

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  6. I can't wait to read this! :) I love historical fiction and I'm happy that you really enjoyed it. It makes me want to read it even more!

    jacindahinten(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. Sounds interesting. Count me in!

    Laceyinthesky(AT)live(DOT)com

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  8. This sounds awesome. I took a ton of Russian history classes and while Hitler is awful, Stalin's crimes are right up there with his.

    speduzzi496(at)gmail(dot)com

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  9. This sounds so good. Have you read Alicia: My Story. I think you would enjoy it too. Thanks for becoming a follower on Mommy's Always Write. I'm now a follower on Getting Your Read On too!

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  10. Well, by your review, I know I have to read this one!

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  11. Based on your review, I know I have to read this one!

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  12. Thank you so much for your support, Aimee!

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  13. This review makes me want to run out & buy this book. I will definitely be reading this one. I love historical fiction to begin with & your moving comments makes this a must read.

    Thanks.

    scouts579(at)aol(dot)com

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  14. Wow, I'm glad that this book affected you so much. It's on my TBR list and I hope I can read it this month. Great review!

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