Between Shades of Gray in ENGL 596 / EDCI 551

Mar 12, 2015 Michelle Parsons rated it really liked it

Shelves: ya-lit

I was not sure what to expect from Between Shades of Gray. But whatever I expected, this blew me out of the water. I had, sad to say, never heard of the Lithuanian relocation by Stalin's Soviet Union. This book quickly set me straight. I could hardly believe that the suffering of so many millions of people, equal in scale and over a more extended time than the Holocaust in Nazi Germany, could be so successfully covered up that it took over 50 years before the story could be made public.
Lina and I was not sure what to expect from Between Shades of Gray. But whatever I expected, this blew me out of the water. I had, sad to say, never heard of the Lithuanian relocation by Stalin's Soviet Union. This book quickly set me straight. I could hardly believe that the suffering of so many millions of people, equal in scale and over a more extended time than the Holocaust in Nazi Germany, could be so successfully covered up that it took over 50 years before the story could be made public.
Lina and her family were a sympathetic focus for the book. Their suffering, and especially Lina's mother's grace towards others during her suffering, had a heightened pathos that brought everything home for the readers. Lina's hope, Jonas' good nature, and their mother's unflagging kindness are beautiful, heartbreaking testament to the beauty humans are capable of even in the worst of conditions. The other prisoners, particularly Mrs. Arvydas, make sacrifices for the others. Even the bald man eventually helps others, even after a long time of trying to avoid it.
I wish I could have seen Lina's art, some examples at least. I wish that I could see the artifacts in the museums. I am shocked that she managed to get hold of any paper, given the circumstances, though I understand the birch bark and the handkerchief.
(view spoiler) ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Mar 12, 2015 Morgan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Between Shades of Gray is one of those novels that doesn't leave you, even long after you've finished it. As many other readers, I'm sure, I've never heard of the Lithuanian relocation. I know very little of Stalin's "reign of terror" outside of the fact that he was warring against Hitler during WWII and that Stallin was communist. The story of Lina was eye-opening, heart-wrenching, and life-changing. Similarily to when I first read the Diary of Anne Frank, I was appalled by what the Lithuanian Between Shades of Gray is one of those novels that doesn't leave you, even long after you've finished it. As many other readers, I'm sure, I've never heard of the Lithuanian relocation. I know very little of Stalin's "reign of terror" outside of the fact that he was warring against Hitler during WWII and that Stallin was communist. The story of Lina was eye-opening, heart-wrenching, and life-changing. Similarily to when I first read the Diary of Anne Frank, I was appalled by what the Lithuanian people went through; disgusted at the lack of humanity shown by the majority of the Soviets; and ashamed that I never knew or learned about this.

I would use this text in my classroom. There is already a plan developing on how I would like to use it. During a WWII unit sometime in the second semester, offer this as an independent reading novel. Students who choose this will present this novel to the rest of the class. It won't be an intensive presentation; I am more interested in their personal takeaways and how this may or may not have changed their views on WWII than on a deep historical presentation on the Soviets and the Baltic relocation. When students are onlyl offered one WWII text (the Diary of Anne Frank), offering them a separate text (used in conjunction with Anne Frank) will widen their world view. It escalates the idea of the scale of the WORLD WAR that was raging across the continents.

What does this novel have to offer YA readers? As in The Only Thing to Fear, Between Shades of Gray offers a look at communism outside of the sociall studies classroom. It gives them a different context to obsesrve how communism affects the people not in charge of their own land, fate, or person. But outside of the historical context, Between Shades of Gray brings themes of death, longing, perseverence in the face of danger and time of trial, finding the silver lining in situations, and many other tropes and themes. It is a novel that overflows with useful content. It may be a window for students to see another world through; however, it can offer a mirror for the life experiences that we all share. ...more

Like · see review

Mar 07, 2015 Logan rated it it was amazing

Between Shades of Grey tracks the journey of a family -- mother, daughter, and son -- as they are deported from their home in Lithuania by the NKVD under Joseph Stalin's reign. Told through the first-person perspective of sixteen-year-old Lina Vilkas, Ruta Sepetys' novel is as captivating as it is heartbreaking, and is a vitally important read for young adults.

Lina's journey from her native Lithuania to the outermost reaches of Siberia is harsh and difficult to read at times, but this only incre ...more

Like · see review

Mar 11, 2015 Hannah Alexander rated it it was amazing

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys was a fantastic book. I am not normally a fan of historical fiction, but I found that Lina’s story was compelling and well established. The writing style was so free flowing it allowed me to from page to page with much ease. I love reading novels with such a strong narrative personality and/or voice.

Lina’s character is captivating, and along with her family members. The discipline and faith that the characters embodied throughout the text’s entirety never c Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys was a fantastic book. I am not normally a fan of historical fiction, but I found that Lina’s story was compelling and well established. The writing style was so free flowing it allowed me to from page to page with much ease. I love reading novels with such a strong narrative personality and/or voice.

Lina’s character is captivating, and along with her family members. The discipline and faith that the characters embodied throughout the text’s entirety never ceased to astound me. I know that this text is a work of fiction but represents very real situations and characters. I always like to think that I would have believed or behaved a certain way if I were alive during different historical events, but I don’t think I would have the strength that these characters represented. I think the unbelievable ability to strive for life in such dismal conditions allow one to feel reflective and more appreciative.

Another aspect of this novel I very much admired was the mere historical relevance. Being that I live in a country that was an ally of Stalin during WWII I feel denied historical relevance. I feel as though my education focused on the historical construct of the Hitler; his empire, and his Holocaust. While I will never down-play the horrific tragedy that was Hitler and his legacy, I feel as though what Stalin did was equally as horrific on a larger scale.

I feel as though this text could be used in the secondary classroom for its wonderful narrative and historical interpretation. The narrative of this story made me want to learn more about Stalin and his involvement with countries like Lithuania. I am truly inspired to learn more than what our history books teach, and that is the exact mentality I would want my future students to have.
Not many texts inspire strength and resilience the way Lina and her family are portrayed. So many people allow their struggle to be their only reality, but even in the face of adversity we have to find faith; we have to find a reason to live.

If you cannot tell, I really loved this book.
...more

Like · see review

Mar 09, 2015 Mykala rated it liked it

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys follows 15-year-old Lina as her family is deported from their home in Lithuania. Set in 1941 near the beginning of WWII Lina’s family has been put on the Anti-Soviet list and are given only minutes to pack their belongings before they are taken from their home. This novel traces Lina’s path as she is transported by train to various camps and is forced to work for minimal food rations. Her quick wit, artistic spunk, and determination keep Lina alive during a Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys follows 15-year-old Lina as her family is deported from their home in Lithuania. Set in 1941 near the beginning of WWII Lina’s family has been put on the Anti-Soviet list and are given only minutes to pack their belongings before they are taken from their home. This novel traces Lina’s path as she is transported by train to various camps and is forced to work for minimal food rations. Her quick wit, artistic spunk, and determination keep Lina alive during a time of hardship and strife. A snapshot of history, this story captures the perspective of a young adult during a time of turmoil.

Lina’s story brings to life the horrors that many people faced during the time of internment and deportation. Reading this story was a reminder of all the inhumane ways in which innocent people were treated during the reign of rulers such as Stalin and Hitler. Lina’s internal strength to live and persevere is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit. Not that we ever forget but younger readers might not be as familiar with war history and this story provides a way to connect them with the past.

I connected with Lena in her use of art as a way to escape as well as channel her fear. Her artistic interests and talent wove throughout the novel as ways to document the events happening around her as well as provide relief in times of trouble. Her art serves as the connecting element between herself and several other characters as well as a defining component of her own identity. I think readers can identify with Lina’s internal struggle, to conform and stay quiet or to speak up for what she believes is right. The struggles with her beliefs and identity make her story accessible to a young adult audience.

I found that the structure of the book, with short chapters running together, emphasized the content within the story. The book read like a journal and gave the reader short snippets of the daily life in which Lina was forced to live. Personally I would’ve liked to see Lina’s drawings inserted into the book as a visual reference for the reader. I think this might’ve added even more dimension to Lina’s character while presenting the audience with a view of how she perceived her world. Overall I enjoyed this book but it wasn’t my favorite piece, as I’ve read other war related works that I think are more relatable. If young adults are interested in this book I do think it’s a great introduction to a way of life as well as a time period they might not be familiar with.
...more

Like · see review

Mar 12, 2015 Lauren H. rated it it was amazing

Ruta Sepetys’ Between Shades of Gray reflects the gritty reality that WWII (and all history, really) cannot simply be distilled down to current textbook definitions and assumptions; instead there are truly shades of gray in history, especially war. This novel shows the story of young Lina, a Lithuanian girl, whose family is taken by the Soviet police. The family is separated, and Lina, along with her brother and mother, are put into a cattle car, then they are set up in a work camp, and finally Ruta Sepetys’ Between Shades of Gray reflects the gritty reality that WWII (and all history, really) cannot simply be distilled down to current textbook definitions and assumptions; instead there are truly shades of gray in history, especially war. This novel shows the story of young Lina, a Lithuanian girl, whose family is taken by the Soviet police. The family is separated, and Lina, along with her brother and mother, are put into a cattle car, then they are set up in a work camp, and finally to the harsh land of Siberia. They work to survive alongside various other people in the same situation, and their constant struggle to persevere demonstrates just how much will is actually embodied in the human spirit. This book is beautifully written and relentlessly emotional. It leaves readers with the message that good CAN triumph over evil, although it certainly doesn’t create any false illusions that overcoming evil is in any way easy.

The writing of this book is one of the most dynamic elements; it feels like a blend between poetry and prose, often using simple sentence structures to make the most profound and impactful points. Sometimes, less is more, and Sepetys truly understands how to use the power of words to “pack a punch,” so to speak. The back cover of my edition of the book pulls the quotation “Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother’s was worth a pocket watch.” This kind of short but powerful sentence appears throughout the novel. Instead of telling us exactly what to think about the situations at hand, Sepetys instead works to create drawings out of words; they are sketches that show reality without beating the point to a pulp or spoon-feeding it to the reader. Because of this maneuver, the reader must make sense of his or her own emotional relation to the scenarios presented.

I also found that the characters were beautifully considered, with each person having a depth of his or her own. Sepetys doesn’t resort to stock characters, and she refuses the single-story narrative of both “oppressors” and “victims.” I found myself becoming attached to multiple characters, even characters without names. The minor characters don’t work to just support Lina; instead, they all weave into the story together.

I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages. I would love to teach this book in my high school classes one day, and I believe that young readers would especially benefit from seeing the disruption of some of the WWII myths that are often all too integrated into school curriculum.
...more

Like · see review

Feb 28, 2015 Jung Han rated it it was amazing

The novel Between Shades of Gray is based on a group of Lithuanians who undergo severe Stalinist repressions. Throughout the story, the book questions the value of the human life. Lina, a fifteen-year-old girl, is deported to Siberia with her mother and her younger brother. She lost her home, her father, and everything she had. From the day the NKVD raids Lina’s house, she starts journey which is full of fear, anxiety, and frustration. The NKVD takes not only her country, but also their human ri The novel Between Shades of Gray is based on a group of Lithuanians who undergo severe Stalinist repressions. Throughout the story, the book questions the value of the human life. Lina, a fifteen-year-old girl, is deported to Siberia with her mother and her younger brother. She lost her home, her father, and everything she had. From the day the NKVD raids Lina’s house, she starts journey which is full of fear, anxiety, and frustration. The NKVD takes not only her country, but also their human rights. Lina says, “Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother’s was worth a pocket watch (p.27).” The author, Ruta Sepetys, is a daughter of a Lithuanian refugee, and she wrote this novel based on the facts which many Lithuanians experienced during the harsh period of Stalin’s rule. Through an accusation of the brutality of the NKVD, which countless Lithuanians underwent, the author sends a strong message of human right and hope. The genocide of the Baltic people under the rule of Stalin took countless lives and left the survivors marked with an indelible nightmare. “Gray everywhere (p.287)”, Lina draws pictures filled with pain such as Munch’s Anxiety, Despair, and The Scream, wishing that her drawings would pass on to the people in the future with the hope that such tragedy would not be repeated. Her agony is shown in every page of this book, which makes the readers feel painful; “the eternal grayness in camp became a shade darker. Amidst the polar night, our only sun had slipped under a cloud (p.322).” Despite the darkness of the gray, Lina did not lose her hope which kept her survive under the dire circumstance. At the end of the book, the author sends a message of hope, saying, “A tiny sliver of gold appeared between shades of gray on the horizon.”(p. 336) I would strongly recommend this book to all the young adults and wish to let them be introduced to Lina and her mother, “whose cup overflowed with love for everyone and everything around her, even the enemy (p.316).” ...more

Like · see review

Jan 23, 2015 Jawaria rated it it was amazing

'Between Shades of Gray' left me Speechless. Stunned. Heartbroken. In Tears. But Hopeful. I devoured the book, unable to put it down. This novel needs an award already!

Ruta Sepetys does justice to historical fiction, to story-telling, to writing style, to emotion and feeling - to everything! She depicts the sad, horrific realities of the oppressive Soviet rule with great conviction. The reader lives through the experiences of Lina Vilkas and her fellow companions, all victimized horrendously und 'Between Shades of Gray' left me Speechless. Stunned. Heartbroken. In Tears. But Hopeful. I devoured the book, unable to put it down. This novel needs an award already!

Ruta Sepetys does justice to historical fiction, to story-telling, to writing style, to emotion and feeling - to everything! She depicts the sad, horrific realities of the oppressive Soviet rule with great conviction. The reader lives through the experiences of Lina Vilkas and her fellow companions, all victimized horrendously under the brutal Soviet regime. The author gives voice to those who had been silenced. She paints a truthful picture that tells the world just how little we know or pay attention to the long-term suffering of the people of the Baltics. Moreover, what is highlighted is the hope, love, optimism, compassion, patience and steadfastness that these sufferers showed. Theirs was a war of believing, of dream returns to beloved Lithuania, reunited with their loved ones, safe and normal. Theirs was a war of clinging to blind hope, of grasping onto every shred of survival possible, of fighting till their last breaths. Theirs was a constant effort of awaiting the awakening of the long polar night, of longing for the sun to rise while keeping their own suns aglow, of finding strokes of colour between the shades of grey, of seeing the light on the horizon amidst a canvas of gloom.

Lina uses her art to record, sketch, paint every possible detail. Her art as a weapon of silent defense. Her art as a tool of self-expression. Her art as the all essential messenger to her Papa, for him to recognize and find them, to reunite, to save. She details every shade of grey and fills a story within it along her dreadful journey, finding glimmers of hope in each, saving it all for the world to know - the atrocities that were taking place on a remote arctic beach.

Stalin and his soldiers ruthlessly ripped people out of their homes and countries, and subjected them to immensely inhumane crimes. They banished food, water, sanitation, space, shelter, warmth, clothing, medicine and even rest - basic needs. They would work them in every condition, for their own luxurious indulgences while rationing daily mouthfuls of food and refusing proper nutrition even. People were left to rot and die, succumb to sickness, or starvation or freeze to death. Their bodies would be chucked out like garbage and if alive and suffering the Soviets wouldn't think twice about shooting someone off. Death lingered on the tip of Baltic noses, and survival was an anguish filled feat to accomplish through hard labour with no assurance of success. The Lithuanians and their neighbours were thrust into societal oppression, while being innocent and confused; as well as struggling through harsh conditions of nature. Lina's group was thrown off at a far end of the Arctic shores and told to fend for themselves empty handed, while being forced to stuff their oppressors' coffers with every luxury. It was all there, but out of reach, forbidden, basic needs sentenced with death. Torture was elevated in such ways, and further inflicted with the constancy of the unknown. Stalin ruled with the terror of the unknown.

Sepetys relates all these shocking, heart-wrenching experiences that were endured by the Lithuanians and victims from surrounding countries of the Baltic Sea. She delivers Lina's story and the theme with a deep, disturbing impact. I cringed at Lina's accounts of what they were going through, shuddering as though she were one of my own. A girl of impeccable artistic talent, daughter of a university professor, warm cozy abode, goose-feather duvets, well-fed with delicious meals, a loving family, a secure persona, intelligent mind and a scholarship awaiting her - has everything torn out of her lap in the most vicious of ways. Her life is changed. Her family is separated and later killed or dead. Her innocent years tarnished. Her brother's childhood snatched away. And all for no crime committed. The Soviet regime ended not long ago. The Baltic countries returned on maps not long ago. I felt it all too close home. I see it all repeated in some degree or other in the present day, with oppressors cloaked in their own hideous disguises. I see misrepresentation of facts and real experiences everyday. I see suppression of brutal realities everyday.

This novel has wrung me out and made me cry at the injustices. It is but one compelling account of what cruel oppressors lash out, abusing power, spreading terror and hate - whether explicitly or in smart, suave, implicit ways today. Words are not enough to express what I felt and took away from this wonderful book. Ruta Sepetys: I salute you and look to follow in your footsteps and the remarkable writing and true story you have given the world. It may be the author's first book, but THIS is what a first book should be! 'Between Shades of Gray' is one of the several selected examples out there in the world of fiction that reflect a 'true' writer, from the heart, with an actual story to tell. Sit up and hear it, read it, feel it, learn from it and pass it on!

I rarely give a book 5 stars, I keep that full rating for the most special of works - standing ovation anyone? this one is a zinging five star! And Ruta Sepetys is long overdue for a high level award! ...more

Like · see review

Mar 12, 2015 Michelle rated it really liked it

I've been eyeing this book for quite some time on frequent trips to the bookstore but simply hadn't had the time to pick it up before now. I wish I would have grabbed it sooner! Reading through comments of my peers, I have seen that I am not alone in being previously unaware of the Lithuanian relocation before reading this novel, a factor which makes reading it all that more important. Not only are the trials of the relocated people terrible and nightmarish, but the mere fact that the awareness ...more

Like · see review

Mar 11, 2015 Jacob Mroczkiewicz rated it liked it · review of another edition

Between Shades of Gray is a beautifully troubling story of oppression and resistance to which young readers should be introduced. Following the path of Lina, Jonas, and Elena Vilkas through the Baltic region to remote Siberia, this story illuminates an aspect of wartime history that often seems to be forgotten. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were caught in a sickening game of tug-of-war between the two oppressive dictatorships gaining power on either side of them -- Hitler's Germany to the west Between Shades of Gray is a beautifully troubling story of oppression and resistance to which young readers should be introduced. Following the path of Lina, Jonas, and Elena Vilkas through the Baltic region to remote Siberia, this story illuminates an aspect of wartime history that often seems to be forgotten. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania were caught in a sickening game of tug-of-war between the two oppressive dictatorships gaining power on either side of them -- Hitler's Germany to the west and Stalin's Russia to the east. This story follows the Vilkas into Russia and eventually all the way to Siberia as they are firmly entombed in Stalin's iron grasp. Such as other YA novels, this story is certainly centralized around one's capacity for resistance in a world wherein it is difficult to truly know oneself.

The writing style of this novel was, like I said, beautiful for the most part. The simple sentence structure that Sepetys opted to use made for a fluid and captivating reading experience, but after working through the novel the repetitive structure became monotonous. Harping on such minutia as this stylistic choice for the sake of criticism seems like an injustice to such a good piece, but I think a little more variety would have lent itself to a more engaging reading. Then again, younger readers may vehemently disagree with this.

Sticking with the T.S. Elliot quote that seems to be such a pertinent question to YA novels -- "Do I dare disturb the universe?" -- I believe that this novel falls in line with the others that we have read this semester. It is a different context than the others obviously, for the universe does not take the same shape for every person or across all historical periods. Perception is key. The universe with which Lina interacted was one of injustice, confusion, oppression, and with a loss of the life she had lead came a subsequent loss of one's self. Lina and her fellow "criminals" (as they were called) experienced a wholesale alteration of self necessary for ensuring their survival in the face of certain death. Many failed. But Lina disturbed the universe with which the NKVD surrounded her; she documented the entirety of her and her family's struggles; she depicted the horrors and the beautifully back-breaking perseverance that allowed her to and her brother to escape alive. They defied that universe so that they may someday know a different one.

Although I may not wholeheartedly agree that love is the best way to weather and overcome oppression, such as the Lithuanians did, I think that that aspect of the story could serve as a useful counterstory to others that deal with resistance, for it does not include the usual aspect of violent revolution. Again, even if that is not necessarily my cup of tea, I think that that alone makes this novel a worthy read. On the other hand, what other choice did the Lithuanians have? The Baltic States were not released from their oppression until the fall of the Berlin Wall, and by being bracketed on either side by military world-powers they were stuck between a rock and a hard place. This historical perspective renders this novel a worthwhile read for young adult readers, for as I previously stated, this is an aspect of history normally glossed over in secondary world history courses. That said, I think that this would be a phenomenal novel to use for interdisciplinary purposes. How better to bring to light a relatively forgotten aspect of history than to read it in a way that is more engaging than a textbook (though I actually enjoy history textbooks, but that's probably just me).

As a counter-story to normal depictions of resistance, different manners of disturbing the universe, and the potential for interdisciplinary usage, this novel will certainly make its way onto my future classroom bookshelf. ...more

Like · see review

Mar 11, 2015 Nancy C rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is my first time reading a book like Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys—a historical fiction novel that is about what life could be like for some who were caught between the warring countries in WW2. We follow the Vilkas, a Lithuania family—15 year old artist Lina, 10 year old Jonas and their mother Elena. The once well-to-do family is torn apart from the father and provost professor, Kostas—the children see him only once before falling into a completely hell, which is where the story This is my first time reading a book like Between Shades of Gray, by Ruta Sepetys—a historical fiction novel that is about what life could be like for some who were caught between the warring countries in WW2. We follow the Vilkas, a Lithuania family—15 year old artist Lina, 10 year old Jonas and their mother Elena. The once well-to-do family is torn apart from the father and provost professor, Kostas—the children see him only once before falling into a completely hell, which is where the story begins.

Lina and her family experience a hate so strong from the NKVD, a group of Russian soldiers who don’t know them or their background—these soldiers get off on harming, starving and killing people who they were put in charge of. Even though all these horrible events that happen to them, they realize that they are fortunate to have each other, and develop a support system with the other people in the labor camp.

This book was just conflict after conflict—it had me on edge the entire time and of course rooting for the Vilkas family to escape unscathed and reunite with their father. Alas, that is not how it ends. The novel opened my eyes to situations I had never thought of before, and made me think about what I would do if I were encountered with one as such as this book. It was also really disheartening and terrifying to think that there were real people who most likely experienced something similar like what happens in this novel to the Vilkas family. I think book tries to show that there are two types of people, at least during the war. Those who hate the enemy and look for revenge and then those who find it in themselves to try to understand the enemy and forgive them their actions after all has been said and done. I wish it were as simple as that.

I did enjoy the style that the book was written. It read like a journal and had interrupting flashbacks. Lina tells her present then about the things that happened in the year prior around the same time. She makes connections between past and present conversations or past and present objects with similar likenesses. She tells readers about how well things seemed on her path to becoming an artist. Those parts were so sad to me—the chance at attending art school and all other possible opportunities that would have come with it—all taken away from her. She talks a lot about her father in these flashbacks, and even though see him only for a second in her present, I feel like I know him and what kind of person he is, only if it is a couple of parts.

We also only get bits and pieces about what the other Vilkas family members are like, but at the same time, it feels like everything we need to know about the characters character, we know. I think it is because we get to see how they handle the horrific situation they are put in and that gives a lot of insight to the kind of people they are. I was completely sucked into this book and the life of Lina and her family and friends. I finished it one sitting. It was a very emotional ride and I may have cried a couple of times. I think the novel presents to readers many situations that happened in historical events, but have only ever heard of them. This novel can become rather personal to readers in that we get to see the thoughts and emotions over the events that happen to the characters and it can feel very real and heartbreaking, especially when you think of the real people who lived through this moment and how their experiences to characters may have not been so different.
...more

Like · see review

From the Bookshelf of ENGL 596 / EDCI 551…

Find A Copy At

Group Discussions About This Book

What Members Thought

ENGL 596 / EDCI 551