Between Shades of Gray

This is a YA novel, but I found the simplicity works for the story. The main character and narrator is Lina, a 15 year old Lithuanian girl, so it makes sense for the writing to be simple.

The story outlines events just prior to, and during WWII, when the Soviets annexed the Baltics (Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia), and those considered anti-Soviet were murdered, imprisoned or deporting into slavery. Separated from her father, Lina is taken by train with her mother and brother to a workers camp in Siberia, and then further on, into the arctic circle.

I have to admit I wasn't aware that this happened, and despite having travelled to the Baltics for a few weeks, my knowledge around the history of these countries is pretty vague.

Despite the nearness of this title to those other ridiculous books, I enjoy the tie in from title to story line. There are interesting characters, who surprise in simple, but positive ways.

Three stars from me.