"Ashes in the Snow" by Ruta Sepetys is a powerful and haunting novel that tells the story of a young Lithuanian girl named Lina who is deported to a Siberian labor camp during World War II. The novel sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history, the forced deportations of Baltic people by the Soviet Union, and the hardships they faced during this time.
Sepetys' writing is beautiful and evocative, capturing the harsh realities of life in the labor camps and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The characters are well-developed and their struggles and triumphs are heart-wrenching and inspiring.
One of the strengths of the novel is its depiction of the bond between family members and the lengths they will go to in order to protect and support each other. Lina's determination to survive and find her way back to her family is a driving force in the story, and her bravery and resourcefulness are truly admirable.
Overall, "Ashes in the Snow" is a moving and unforgettable book that sheds light on a little-known chapter of history and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction and stories of survival and hope.