76 pages • 2 hours read
Ruta SepetysSalt to the Sea
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Salt to the Sea, by Ruta Sepetys, is set during World War II as the Third Reich collapses and follows four young protagonists—Joana, Florian, Emilia, and Alfred—each harboring secrets and seeking safety amid the chaos of evacuation in East Prussia. As they journey toward the Wilhelm Gustloff ship in an effort to escape, they navigate personal traumas, form unexpected bonds, and confront their pasts. The novel delves into themes of war, loss, and the redefinition of family. This book contains depictions of war violence, sexual assault, and trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys is lauded for its compelling storytelling and rich historical detail, bringing the lesser-known tragedy of the Wilhelm Gustloff to life. Readers appreciate the well-developed characters and emotional depth. However, some critics find the multiple narrators occasionally confusing. Overall, it’s a poignant, educational read.
Who Should Read Salt to the Sea?
Readers who relish historical fiction, particularly about lesser-known WWII events, will find Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys compelling. Teens and adults who enjoyed The Book Thief by Markus Zusak or All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr will appreciate its poignant storytelling and richly drawn characters.
RecommendedReading Age
13-18yearsLexile Level
HL560LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Emotions/Behavior: Memory
Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies