Salt to the Sea

By Ruta Sepetys,

Book cover of Salt to the Sea

Book description

WINNER OF THE CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL 2017

It's early 1945 and a group of people trek across Germany, bound together by their desperation to reach the ship that can take them away from the war-ravaged land. Four young people, each haunted by their own dark secret, narrate their unforgettable stories.…

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why read it?

3 authors picked Salt to the Sea as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Ruta Sepetys writes historical fiction like no one else. All her books are wonderful, however, this one is my favorite. Not only does she write about a little-known event in history, she does it masterfully with short chapters told from four distinct points of view, doling out backstory as if it is a treat rather than something a reader must endure. Yes, the story is fascinating, but it is her craft that makes me reread it with a highlighter in hand. 

The narrative of this book is compelling. It starts with a bang and is haunting at the same time. Based on true events from 1945, the story centers on four refugees fleeing Russian invaders, only to find themselves aboard a sinking ship that is only meant to hold 1200, but instead has 10,000 onboard. Each character is given his/her own chapter, with each acting as a window to each of their souls. It’s riveting historical fiction, based on actual events.

Ruta Sepetys is arguably one of the great masters of historical young adult fiction. Salt to the Sea is an exceptional example of why this is the case. Sepetys expertly balances the stories of multiple protagonists set against an actual (and little known) tragedy that occurred during WWII. I found myself rooting for these characters while simultaneously biting my nails and trying to catch my breath.

From Nicole's list on teens overcoming impossible odds.

Want books like Salt to the Sea?

Our community of 11,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Salt to the Sea.

Browse books like Salt to the Sea

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in refugees, propaganda, and the Soviet Union?

Refugees 146 books
Propaganda 21 books
The Soviet Union 373 books