Book Review: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

By: Ellie Y. , Grade 8

• Age Rating: 12+
• Genre: Historical Fiction
• Length: 338 pages
• Stars: 5/5

Being one of the most compelling yet beautiful novels, Between Shades of Gray will take you back in time to World War II to experience the cruelest treatments people had to endure. Set during the horrifying reign of Joseph Stalin, the book follows fifteen-year-old Lina as her country falls into the hands of the Soviets. 

At the dead of night, Lina and family were taken away from their house and deported to labor camps in Siberia. Along the way, I witnessed some of the most inhumane abuses imaginable, as the victims struggled with extreme hunger, pain, and fear. Yet it was also this book where I was truly amazed by the strength of hope and courage. The prisoners clung onto each other as they shared stories and experiences to spark hope in the darkness. Lina herself stood up to the Soviets several times, which surprised me, because if I was in her place, I wouldn’t have dared to even life my head. After bearing through countless sacrifices and deaths, the remaining victims, including Lina and her brother, finally found justice and restored their lives of happiness.

This book brought me to tears several times, including the moment when Lina’s mother died. Sepetys captures the characters so perfectly that I can see them vividly in front of me. Lina’s mother was a caring soul who gave her life to her children, a move I deeply respect and struck my heart with grief. Like the mother, other characters are thoroughly envisioned in my heart, and I could experience every emotion they have.

Between Shades of Gray explores many universal themes such as love and sacrifice, hope and grief, and courage to spark change. At the start of the book, Lina was just another teenage girl daydreaming and worrying about school. But by the end, she transformed into a mature, determined, and selfless hero who led many lives to safety. 

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading emotional and thought-provoking books. Though I wasn’t a big fan of historical fiction when I first started the book, this novel definitely pulled me into this genre. So whether or not you enjoy reading about historical events, this book will be perfect to both bring you to tears and lift your sense of hope and courage.