Between Shades of Gray

Written by Ruta Sepetys

Narrated by Emily Klein

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the award-winning author of Salt to the Sea comes a “superb” (The Wall Street Journal), “eye-opening” (Los Angeles Times) novel of survival and hope in the darkest of places—the inspiration for the major motion picture Ashes in the Snow

"Few books are beautifully written, fewer still are important; this novel is both." —The Washington Post

WINNER OF THE GOLDEN KITE AWARD • A CARNEGIE MEDAL NOMINEE • A WILLIAM C. MORRIS AWARD FINALIST • A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE CENTURY

A knock comes at the door in the dead of night, and Lina’s life changes in an instant. With her young brother and mother, she is hauled away by the Soviet secret police from her home in Lithuania and thrown into a cattle car en route to Siberia. Separated from her father, Lina secretly passes along clues in the form of drawings, hoping they will reach his prison camp. But will her letters, or her courage, be enough to reunite her family? Will they be enough to keep her alive?

A moving and haunting novel about loss, fear, and ultimately, survival, Between Shades of Gray is a tour de force of historical and emotional storytelling.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group
• Release date: Mar 22, 2011
• ISBN: 9781101484630

Ruta Sepetys

Ruta Sepetys (Detroit, 1967) es una escritora americana especializada en el género histórico de ficción.

Reviews for Between Shades of Gray

[wagner5sarah35 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel makes for a compelling story centered around historical events I knew only the broadest outlines of: the deportation of Baltic peoples to gulags under Stalin. This book is about Lina and her family, who are taken from their home, along with many of their neighbors, in Lithuania to a camp in Siberia and then to one in the blistering cold Artic Circle. Death and despair loom as they struggle to survive and understand why they were originally taken. An interesting read and one recommended for those interested in this aspect of Soviet history.

[eesti23 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother's was worth a pocket watch."

"We were thousands of kilometers away from our home, and they were forcing us to march in a direction that was taking us farther and farther from everything we knew."

I received Between Shades of Gray as part of a gift box. Having lived in Estonia just after they re-gained independence from the Soviet Union, the topic immediately interested me. I had heard about the deportations to Siberia, but hadn't realised how similar they were to those happening in other parts of Europe at that time nor exactly how harsh the conditions were. I appreciated the balance of themes in the book, contrasting the horrible with moments of hope and love. I also really liked the ending, however, I wish there had been a bit more explanation from the last main chapter to it.

This book stayed with me quite some time. I thought about it regularly and ended up doing a bit of history research after it because of it.

[janarose1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

At the age of 15, Lina and her family are taken by Soviet’s and forced on a crowded train. Her father is separated, leaving Lina, her Mom and brother. Sent to a Siberian work camp, they fight for survival. This was both a touching and heartbreaking novel. The characters were well developed and the plot moved at a nice pace. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

[dianekeenoy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ruta Sepetys never fails to deliver an amazing book. Another piece of history that I knew very little about. In 1940, the Soviet Union occupied the Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. It's estimated that Stalin killed more than twenty million people during his reign of terror.

[pixpirin1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It was a tough read, as it is a visceral novel about World War II, but very well told. You can imagine the circumstances the characters are experiencing. (Translated from Spanish)

[techeditor_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

In BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY, Ruta Sepetys describes how, even as the Soviet Union opposed Germany during World War II, they were ripping people from their homes, taking everything they owned, and exiling them to extreme hardship in Siberia. Her characters are fiction, but the book is based on fact.

BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY begins in Lithuania when the Soviets took over in 1941 and erased it from the map. Lena is 15 and her brother is 10. Simply because their father is a university provost, they and their mother are sent to Siberia, their father to prison. Sepetys describes the next two years of their lives.

My only criticism of the book is the babyish way in which Sepetys refers to some of the characters. For example, one of the children who has also been deported to Siberia is referred to throughout the book as "the girl with the dolly." Sixteen-year-old Lena (her age by the story's end) apparently never considers that "the girl with the dolly" has a name. The same goes for "the man winding his watch," "the bald man," and various other characters who she lives with for 2 years. Granted, this is a novel written for young adults. But this sounds more like it is for 3 year olds.

More importantly, though, BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY is a story that needs to be told. Not enough people remember it or are aware of it, even today. As an adult, I read and enjoyed it; this is a crossover novel, meant for both young adults and adults.

[srqlover · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

the fact that this is a true story makes it all the more a 5 star review. I learned a bit of history that I bet not everyone else knows.

[Pilar Ripoll · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A lot has been written and I have read quite a bit about the Holocaust.
However, this novel, which has nothing to do with the Holocaust, captures the cruelty of the human being with the same atrocities when the Soviet Union occupied Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
A harsh story told through exhaustive research by the author, through relatives of the same victims.
Spirit of struggle, courage, and a desire to live despite suffering is what we will find in characters that you come to love as if they were your own family.
A wonderful narrative, from which I have learned a lot and with a clear message: HOPE.
May 27, 2024 (Translated from Spanish)

[missbrangwen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

"Between Shades Of Gray" was written by Ruta Sepetys, a Lithuanian-American author who did extensive research while working on the novel. It is classified as Young Adult, which is apparent in the language and the perspective of the main character, Lina, but this did not diminish the reading experience. In contrast, I felt that the character's voice was stronger and more authentic because of this because it was in line with her age.

Lina, her younger brother and her mother are deported from Kaunas in Lithuania to a work camp in Siberia. The novel relates the long journey in a cattle train to the camp, the events in the camp and more - I am not describing the further plot to avoid spoilers.
This book will stick with me for a very long time because of its characters, but also because I learned so much about the events under Stalin at the time. Of course I learned about it at school, but that was almost two decades ago, and the focus was not on the Baltic countries.

I read this almost in one sitting, within one day, because I just couldn't stop! The reason that it is not quite a five star read is because the ending felt a bit abrupt and I would have liked to meet Lina for real once more, and not only through the capsule that is found in the 1990s, although the afterword explains this choice. I also felt that sometimes Lina was a little bit too brave and adventurous to make it credible, and these were instance where it did indeed feel strongly like YA, but it is only a minor point of criticism in an otherwise excellent novel.

[spiritedstardust · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a really easy read, I finished in only a few hours. Whilst I enjoyed the story I didn't really bond with any of the characters, they all felt a bit 'distant'. I also found the 'ending' rather abrupt, I would have liked to know what really happened to Lina or her brother and father in the end.

[kslade-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent survival story of a young girl who is sent off to Siberia with her family from Lithuania when Stalin takes over in 1941. This is an untold war atrocity. Very well done.

[castlelass · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Dark novel about the impact of Stalin’s Reign of Terror on the people of Lithuania. It follows fifteen-year-old Lena, starting in 1941, as she and her family are separated, loaded onto trains, and sent to the Siberian arctic. Lena’s mother and brother are sent to a labor camp and her father is imprisoned. It is about the will to survive in horrific conditions. There are a few happy scenes told in flashback to better days, but do not pick this book up if you are feeling depressed. I found it disturbing but appreciated the opportunity to learn more about lesser-known events that took place in the 1940s and early 1950s.

From the author’s note: "It is estimated that Josef Stalin killed more than twenty million people during his reign of terror. The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia lost more than a third of their population during the Soviet genocide.”

[smorton11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

First, I read Salt to the Sea (review to come later), in a day and a half – for a slow reader like myself, that was quite speedy. Then, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I couldn’t stop thinking about Ruta’s storytelling and gnawing, sinking feeling I felt while reading, knowing the MV Wilhelm Gustloff’s fate. And I realized that any writer who can tell a story that I cannot forget must be amazing, so it was time to read Between Shades of Gray.

Ruta turned her magic storytelling to a topic near and dear to her heart – the plight of Lithuanian refugees. The daughter of a Lithuanian refugee who spent years in refugee camps after suffering horrors during the war, she has a unique perspective on a war story not often told. She made the world of the Soviet gulags so real. The absolutely terrifying world of Siberia and the horrors of what the Soviets did to their prisoners. To women and children. I cried. I bawled my eyes out.

Not only to I love Ruta Sepetys’ storytelling. But, I also love how open and welcoming Ruta herself is. I had the opportunity to meet her again last month and when I ran into her outside of her autographing session, I asked her kindly if she had a quick moment. She said yes, and I proceeded to tell her how much not only I love her books, but my sister, Laura, does as well. She was exceptionally sweet and asked if Laura was with me. I said, alas she was not, but would love to have been able to come. Ruta then asked if she could send Laura a message, so I went digging for a notebook, and she said she wanted to send her a video! The result is below.

[sheriawilkinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Fifteen year old Lina, her Mother and Brother are sent to a prison camp in Siberia. As they are forced out of Lithuania on this long harrowing journey (as) they learn of Stalin's Extermination list. They are faced with starvation, extreme cold, hard labor, death and despair. Lina tries to keep her composure through her artwork. The love of family is all they have as they do what they must to survive.

Based on true events that took place in the 1940's during WWII, to the people of the Baltic States was tragic and heart breaking. Overall I found Between Shades of Gray an emotionally charged thought-provoking memorable read. I recommend to Young Adult/Adult readers, a story not to be forgotten.

[AntonioPrezmoreno · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Tell the story of a group of Lithuanian deportees by the USSR, under Stalin. It's the first book I find on this topic, very similar to some biographies about the Holocaust, but with its differences. A raw story, narrated in the first person, that begs to be devoured. (Translated from Spanish)

[zachmontana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the second Ruta Sepetys novel that both my 12 year old daughter and I have read and we're equally impressed. We also saw the movie, Ashes in the Snow, which is produced by the author and enjoyed it - some changes from the book, but still true to the story and equally enthralling. The story is almost unimaginable that humans could subject others to so much abuse and hatred. Why the Soviets sent people to the Far North (above the Arctic Circle) of Siberia could only be out of extreme hatred since there was no labor camp benefit for them and even the guards suffered from the extreme cold. This book should be on the reading list of anyone interested in History and understanding how hatred permeates so many cultures.

[jmchshannon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I know I am late to the party when it comes to reading anything by Ruta Sepetys, but Between Shades of Gray truly is an amazing book. Not only is it well-written, but also the details behind the story are fascinating. I love learning new historical facts, so this satisfied that particular itch. Ms. Sepetys does a marvelous job of letting readers know what happened without being overly graphic. I think the matter-of-fact tone Lina adopts for most of the more horrifying scenes makes them much more impactful than any description of the actual violence or gore could. Also, I think Between Shades of Gray would make a great addition to any middle-grade teacher’s history curriculum as I find Lina to be much more relatable and her voice more current than Anne Frank’s. Shame on me for waiting so long to read it.

[LoreLOV☕? · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A hard, very hard and moving novel set during World War II but from a different perspective than is usual, that of Stalin's dictatorship. It tells the story of a Lithuanian teenager who, along with her family, is deported by the Soviet police to the labor camps in Siberia.

Despite the harshness of the story, it has an optimistic view and leaves you with a lesson full of hope and resilience.

This is the first novel I've read by Ruta Sepetys, and it won't be the last. Sublime! (Translated from Spanish)

[Jiro · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A story within the cruel historical reality that does not leave you indifferent and makes you reflect on human nature, I recommend it. (Translated from Spanish)

[AnaDeboroLibros · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An incredible research work on the Francoist Spanish society and what was happening in it, including the stolen babies. (Translated from Spanish)

[indygo88 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Though a fictional novel and written for a younger audience, this story is based on true events. 15-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl who, with her family, is ripped from her home without warning in 1941 by Soviet officers under the rule of Stalin. Lina, along with her mother and younger brother, are separated from her father, packed on train cars, and shipped off to Siberian work camps in brutal conditions. Lina, a budding young artist who had just been accepted to a prestigious art academy, makes drawings on any scraps she can find, passing these scraps along in the hopes that they can find their way to her father so that they can be reunited once again. But as WWII rages on in other parts of the world, Lina and her family, along with the other families ripped from their homes, must endure bitter cold, starvation, and disease, striving to maintain some hope that they can once again return to their previous lives.

There are so many books written about WWII, and it amazes me that every time I read one I learn about a new horror, not only in Germany, but in many other parts of the world as well. Told from this lesser-known viewpoint, one that many of us likely have minimal to no prior knowledge of, is both enlightening and horrifying. This would make a great middle school or high school read, but is excellent as an adult read as well.

[completely_melanie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I feel like this is such an important story that needed to be told. This was so moving. It hurt my soul and I bawled my eyes out!

[brownchoco · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A sad, simple, sober, cruel novel with moments of suspense, intended for readers who want to learn a little about the barbarity committed by Stalin when he invaded the Baltic countries in 1939, but mainly recommended for all of us who enjoy feeling inner turmoil and helplessness due to the atrocities committed by the most harmful being of creation. I recommend the novel. (Translated from Spanish)

[cuquipablo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Precious and very necessary story. They are Lithuanians in the USSR, but they could be Jews in Germany, Republicans in Spain, or Tutsis in Rwanda. And we must not stop telling the hell they lived through, because it must not be repeated.

(June 6, 2021) (Translated from Spanish)

[tonifgmamtc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This story has tons of feels. It's about when Stalin was invading countries. The author's note speaks about how everyone knows of Hitler, but many don't know that Stalin was doing horrible things. Because of how Russia was communist until the 90's people weren't allowed to talk about it before so it isn't as known. Anyways, the Lithuanian people in the story were taken from their homes and loaded into railroad cars. Many died during the trip. It was horrible. They went to work camps. Some ended up in Siberia freezing to death. Parts are heartbreaking. It focuses a lot on the relationships between the people, not just all the horrible stuff that happened.

[drfuriosa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A powerful, heavy story about people forgotten and wrongly condemned.

[☀️ Sol ☀️ · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A book I had been eager to read for a long time and which hooked me from the beginning.
I admit that I read the whole book with anxiety and suffering because you start to get attached to the characters but you know they are heading toward an unavoidable ending since the book is based on a true story.
However, the ending left me feeling calm; although I wouldn't say I liked it because what happens and the context is horrible, I say it left me at peace after so much suffering.
This is the second book I've read by the author, so I was already familiar with her style, meaning very short chapters alternating characters who show us the story from their perspectives, which makes it a very dynamic book that captivates from start to finish.
A book I liked very much, which made me research and learn about a World War II story I didn't know, combined with a very entertaining fictional story, with interesting characters and well told.
READ 12/6/2021 (Translated from Spanish)

[Paoemylia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book tells the story of Daniel, an American son of an oil businessman, who travels with his family to Spain during Franco's dictatorship. In the hotel, he meets a beautiful and intelligent girl named Ana, with whom he will forge a powerful relationship. Daniel wants to be a photographer, but he doesn't have his father's support. However, in his efforts to take photographs, he discovers a dark side of the dictatorship. I really enjoyed this book. (Translated from Spanish)

[RoxIslas · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is a good story full of secrets, twists, and unexpected revelations. The narrative highlights the human resilience of the war survivors, as well as being a beautiful description of the love story between Ana and Daniel. (Translated from Spanish)

[Martallns · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The book tells the story of Lina, a teenager who, due to Stalin and his oppression of Lithuania, was forced to do labor camps. The book, with a good script and a solid argument, has fascinated and hooked me from the beginning, but for me, it's not a masterpiece, as I believe the ending leaves something to be desired. However, other than that, it's a book I would recommend to anyone. (Translated from Spanish)