Between Shades of Gray (Book Review)

Between Shades of Gray
Ruta Sepetys
Published March 22nd 2011 by Philomel Books
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"You stand for what is right, Lina, without the expectation of gratitude or reward."

In the middle of the night Lina, her brother Jonas, and her mother are pulled from their beds and given twenty minutes to collect their belongings and go with the Soviet secret police. Separated from Lina's father during the process.

They are given no reason.

Pushed around like animals, and thrown into a train car that is for animals, the group of people including Lina's partial family are taken on the long journey from Lithuania to Siberia.
Ruta Sepetys paints such a realistic picture. There was never any unrealistic points where you went "come on, I'm sure that didn't happen."

Lina is the 15 year old artist, who dreams of going to a special academy for artists. She is a protective big sister to her 10/11 year old little brother Jonas. She loves her mother and father.  Her narration was beautiful and saddening at the same time.

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

"I pictured a rug being lifted and a huge Soviet broom sweeping us under it."

"A tiny sliver of gold appeared between shades of gray on the horizon. I stared at the amber band of sunlight, smiling. The sun had returned."

I don't know a whole lot about this particular regions troubles in history, so, I am not sure how much of this book was fictionalized. However, this book will raise awareness. And I know personally, this book has made me want to look more into the subject.