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A powerful story, based on the true genocide/imprisonment of Lithuanians by Stalin during WWII. I read a lot about how he purged his own country of "dissidents" but not the efforts to "cleanse" Lithuania when the Soviets took it over. Probably because America was aligned with Russia during that period and everyone was focused on Germany's atrocities. Published as a Young Adult novel, but should be read by everyone.
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Ashes in the Snow, also known as Between the Shades of Gray is a heartbreaking and inspiring story based on the true experiences of Lithuanian families under the reign of terror under Stalin when Russia annexed the Baltic countries after WWII. Lena is a 15 year old who loves art, when her Dad was sent to prison and her family sent to Siberia. Her dad had done nothing wrong, but was deemed a possible threat to Russian loyalty. Lina, her mother, and younger brother were sent in cattle cars to work
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I know that I am not original in saying that this book covers a time I knew little about prior to reading it: the removal of Lithuaneans to Siberian work camps by the Russians in WWII. This is well told, and describes one family's journey from their normal life to their life in the camps. I found the last chapter particularly telling. The title to me describes not only the landscape, but also the people. Worth a read.
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A wonderful tale of courage and the will to live in spite of unspeakable horrors. Lina's family is force to leave Lithuania by the Soviets in 1941 and are deported to Siberia.
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The horror of living in Lithuania when the Russians and the Germans were fighting over their homeland. Gives a real meaning to the phrase being sent to Siberia
Intense and sad, but beautifully written. This should be on middle school/high school reading lists.
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Dec 27, 2012
Anna
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Jun 10, 2013
Kat
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Sep 14, 2013
Tanya
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Aug 13, 2017
Kara
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Megan
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Tammy Grimm
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grace
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Jan 30, 2021
Lillawa
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