by TPS reads bangle19
In Ruta Sepetys’ amazing works of historical fiction, we dive into the ever present, shoulder-shaking, truth of the gruesome past which she spins up neatly in a beautiful writing style which reads like poetry. The struggles are agonizingly truthful for every one of her characters and the power she jams into so few words reverberates throughout the story. Every character was respectable as a unique hero – each one trying to shake off their dark past as if it were rain on their coat and still it’s what keeps them determined to hold on to the few strands of hope there are. Joana was a brave beacon of hope and her love touched everyone from behind her fortified heart. She was easy to cheer for and sympathize with. Emilia was the central source of innocence flitting in the harsh winds of war, forced to harden. It’s easy to love her more and more as you continue to read. Florian embraced the gallant warrior persona but we got to see the softer side of him and how he hardened through his years of past betrayal. Florian had a hidden agenda and selfish mindset for awhile but he was softened by love, a dying force in the war – He quickly became easy to root for. Alfred was a terrifying experiment in Hitler’s brainwash and it was fascinating to see how the philosophies he held true unfolded and how they/he was seen through the different lenses of every character. Ruta Sepetys is a master at building the harsh environment and lifestyle of the time – even with crude or minimal wording. Characters who didn’t even narrate pulled on the heartstrings. Every death was painful and tear-jerking and somehow, even though they never narrated, you already loved them. Ruta Sepetys is a master at what she does and her work, like Salt to the Sea, should forever be revered.
TPSreads 