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Book Recommendation: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

By
Industry Observer with Retired

Book Recommendation: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

 

Salt to the Sea (2016) is a World War II era historical novel by The New York Times bestselling American author Ruta Sepetys. Dolores and I enjoyed this book and recommend it for your reading list. Click on the links to learn more about the author and her books.

 

Ruta Sepetys

Photo by Magda Starowieyska

 

Books by Ruta Sepetys

"Ruta Sepetys was born and raised in Michigan in a family of artists, readers, and music lovers. As an author of historical fiction, Ruta is drawn to stories of strength through struggle. Her award-winning debut novel, "Between Shades of Gray" was inspired by her family's history in Lithuania and is published in 45 countries. Her second novel, "Out of the Easy" is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans in 1950, and her third novel "Salt to the Sea" exposes one of the greatest hidden disasters of World War II. Ruta lives in a treehouse in the hills of Tennessee." - Goodreads

 

Goodreads Review of Salt to the Sea

"Winter 1945. WWII. Four refugees. Four stories.

Each one born of a different homeland; each one hunted, and haunted, by tragedy, lies, war. As thousands desperately flock to the coast in the midst of a Soviet advance, four paths converge, vying for passage aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety and freedom. But not all promises can be kept...

World War II is drawing to a close in East Prussia and thousands of refugees are on a desperate trek toward freedom, many with something to hide. Among them are Joana, Emilia, and Florian, whose paths converge en route to the ship that promises salvation, the Wilhelm Gustloff. Forced by circumstance to unite, the three find their strength, courage, and trust in each other tested with each step closer to safety.

Just when it seems freedom is within their grasp, tragedy strikes. Not country, nor culture, nor status matter as all ten thousand people—adults and children alike—aboard must fight for the same thing: survival.

Told in alternating points of view and perfect for fans of Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize-winning All the Light We Cannot See, Erik Larson’s Dead Wake, and Elizabeth Wein’s Printz Honor Book Code Name Verity, this masterful work of historical fiction is inspired by the real-life tragedy that was the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff—the greatest maritime disaster in history. As she did in Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys unearths a shockingly little-known casualty of a gruesome war, and proves that humanity and love can prevail, even in the darkest of hours."

 

 

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Dahlia, National Capital Dahlia Society Show, Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, Maryland USA IMG 3021 Canon PowerShot G11 Camera Photograph by Roy Kelley  Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Dahlia, National Capital Dahlia Society Show, Brookside Gardens,

Wheaton, Maryland USA IMG 3021
Canon PowerShot G11 Camera
Photograph by Roy Kelley 
Roy and Dolores Kelley Photographs

Posted by

Roy Kelley, Retired, Former Associate Broker, RE/MAX Realty Group

Gaithersburg, Maryland  

Comments (15)

Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Thaks for the recommendation, Roy.  I am not familiar with this book or author and will read this book.

Feb 20, 2018 04:23 AM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

Sounds like 10,000 people on the same ship is a recipe for disaster! thanks for sharing! 

Feb 20, 2018 04:36 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much for your comments. Enjoy a good book or two this week.

Feb 20, 2018 04:47 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Roy, you sure find some great choices for books to read.  Another author that I have not heard of.

Feb 20, 2018 05:24 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Roy. How often do they have to replace your worn old library card? Enjoy your day!

Feb 20, 2018 05:27 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Roy Kelley - I always enjoy reading your book synopsis. Thank you.

Feb 20, 2018 06:12 AM
Jack Tenold
Jack Tenold LLC - Spokane, WA
Specializing in Reverse Mortgages

My wife read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it and recommended it to her book club.  I frequently read what they read so we can talk about the books.  I haven't picked it up yet but I appreciate the fact that it is an important story and a good read.  

Feb 20, 2018 11:44 AM
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Roy,

Sounds like a fascinating book and a good read.  And please stop sending your cold weather our way it 55 degree and because of the wind chill it feels like 49.  I think Mother Nature mixed up the weather pattern.  A

Feb 20, 2018 01:59 PM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

That sounds very interesting. I am being drawn to World War II novels and all the intrique centered around it.

Feb 20, 2018 06:26 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Your comments are always welcome and are very much appreciated.

Feb 26, 2018 04:06 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD
Paws in the Parkpaws
Back by "pup"-ular demand, Paws in the Park returns to Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm on Sunday, April 22. Join the City of Gaithersburg and the Montgomery County Humane Society from noon to 4 p.m. for this annual festival that features a one-mile dog walk, pet/owner lookalike contests, agility contests, activities for children, a marketplace, and more. Proceeds benefit the Montgomery County Humane Society. Discounts are available for advance registration. Click here to learn more. 
Apr 18, 2018 04:46 PM