Salt to the Sea is a World War II-based novel by Ruta Sepetys. It starts when the war is coming to a close and thousands of refugees are seeking a home. In the beginning, there are many different people who tell their story. Each one has a dark past full of lies, hunger and war. Each story is different; however, they all share the struggle to make it to the point where they are.

Joana, Emilia, and Florian’s paths all converge together when they board the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises salvation. Just when they were close to freedom, tragedy strikes. The thousands of refugees aboard the ship are thrown into a fight for survival. The reader will find themselves hoping for their survival, even though they know the gruesome outcome.

Ruta Sepetys retells the story of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that sank in World War II, using fictional characters. Salt to the Sea is Sepetys third book. She uses her knowledge of history and talents as a writer to unearth a lesser known World War II tragedy. I would recommend this to people who love history, but also want to be told a story.