The overwhelming majority of people who view this site are well aware of Hitler's brutality towards the Jews in World War II. However, Joesph Stalin was just as despised by just as many, particularly those in the Baltic regions and countries near the former Soviet Union. Ruta Sepetys brings Stalin's crimes to light in a gripping YA historical fiction account titled Between the shades of gray
Many will see connections to Septety's main character to the Holocaust. The conditions of the Siberian prisons resemble those of Aushwitz. Sepety's characterization of main character Lina strongly resemble Anne Frank.
For me, I gained a better appreciation of the perspective of my own Finnish relatives through this harrowing tale. Many Finns, like those from Estonia, Lativia, and Lithuania also suffered under Stalin's reign of terror.
Watch the following clip of Ruta Septetys' interview for greater understanding.
Image located at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7824322-between-shades-of-gray
Many will see connections to Septety's main character to the Holocaust. The conditions of the Siberian prisons resemble those of Aushwitz. Sepety's characterization of main character Lina strongly resemble Anne Frank.
For me, I gained a better appreciation of the perspective of my own Finnish relatives through this harrowing tale. Many Finns, like those from Estonia, Lativia, and Lithuania also suffered under Stalin's reign of terror.
Watch the following clip of Ruta Septetys' interview for greater understanding.
Image located at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7824322-between-shades-of-gray