Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys is a poignant historical novel lauded for its emotional depth and compelling recount of a lesser-known part of WWII history. Readers praise the character development and evocative prose. However, some criticize it for its intense and graphic depictions of suffering. Overall, it’s considered a powerful, though harrowing, read.

Readers who are captivated by historical fiction and narratives of resilience will find Between Shades of Gray appealing. Comparable to The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and Salt to the Sea by the same author, this novel is ideal for those who appreciate poignant, character-driven stories set against the backdrop of World War II.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys follows fifteen-year-old Lina Vilkas, an artist deported from Lithuania to Soviet labor camps in Siberia during Stalin's regime. Told from her first-person perspective, the story chronicles her family's arrest, their harrowing journey, and the intense hardships they face, showcasing Lina's growth and the power of love and resilience amid immense suffering. The book includes themes of forced labor, starvation, and grief.

Melancholic / Dark / Emotional / Bittersweet / Challenging

- Between Shades of Gray was inspired by Ruta Sepetys' own family history, focusing on her father's Lithuanian heritage and the real-life experiences of Baltic people during Soviet occupation.
- Ruta Sepetys spent three years researching for the novel, including interviewing survivors from the Baltic region to ensure historical accuracy and authenticity.
- The book's title is a metaphor for the complex moral shades and nuances faced by people under oppressive regimes, rather than simply focusing on black and white judgments.

**Lina Vilkas**  
A fifteen-year-old girl who serves as the narrator, guiding readers through her experiences and growth during the family's deportation.

**Jonas Vilkas**  
Lina’s younger brother who faces harsh realities at a very young age, offering motivation and familial connection within the story.

**Elena Vilkas**  
Lina and Jonas’s mother, known for her compassion and selflessness, who acts as a moral compass and source of strength for her family.

**Kostas Vilkas**  
Lina and Jonas’s father, a moral figure remembered through flashbacks, whose decisions greatly impact the family’s fate.

**Andrius Arvydas**  
A young boy who becomes a significant person in Lina's life, whose actions contribute to the group's survival.

**Mr. Stalas (The Bald Man)**  
A pessimistic man who presents a stark view of their situation, yet is cared for by Elena and shows signs of change.

**Miss Grybas (The Teacher)**  
A teacher who aids in caring for others during the journey and remains integral to the community she is part of.

**Mrs. Rimas (The Librarian)**  
A nurturing presence particularly good with children, who assists Elena in supporting those around her.

**Mr. Lukas (The Gray-Haired Man Who Wound His Watch)**  
An elder in the group who provides calm and reason, often associated with the soothing action of winding his watch.

**Ona and Her Newborn Daughter**  
A mother and infant illustrating the harshness faced, whose tragic story underscores the group’s struggles.

**Janina and Liale (The Little Girl and Her Doll)**  
A young girl deported alongside the main characters, coping with trauma through her doll, Liale.

**Nikolai Kretzsky (The Young Blond Guard)**  
A complex character depicted as a Soviet guard with whom Lina has a fraught but evolving relationship.

**Ivanov (The NKVD Guard with Rotten Teeth)**  
A cruel guard showcasing the brutal nature of their captors, specifically remembered for his rotten teeth and disposition.

**Dr. Samodurov**  
A doctor who arrives at a crucial moment to provide much-needed aid and signal a turning point for the characters.

Ruta Sepetys

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Between Shades of Gray reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Between Shades of Gray | SuperSummary

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Overview

Between Shades of Gray follows Lina, a young girl deported to Siberia, as she endures hardship and hope under Soviet oppression. Full summary here.

Between Shades of Gray Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “thieves and prostitutes”

Chapters 1-15

Get ready to explore Between Shades of Gray and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Between Shades of Gray Chapters 1-15

Chapters 16-28

Between Shades of Gray Chapters 16-28

Part 2: “maps and snakes”

Chapters 29-34

Between Shades of Gray Chapters 29-34

Chapters 35-40

Between Shades of Gray Chapters 35-40

Chapters 41-46

Between Shades of Gray Chapters 41-46

Chapters 47-52

Between Shades of Gray Chapters 47-52

Chapters 53-57

Between Shades of Gray Chapters 53-57

Chapters 58-62

Between Shades of Gray Chapters 58-62

Part 3: “ice and ashes”

Chapters 63-68

Between Shades of Gray Chapters 63-68

Chapters 69-74

Between Shades of Gray Chapters 69-74

Chapters 75-80

Between Shades of Gray Chapters 75-80

Chapter 81-Epilogue

Between Shades of Gray Chapter 81-Epilogue

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Character Analysis

Between Shades of Gray Character Analysis

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Themes

Between Shades of Gray Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Between Shades of Gray Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Between Shades of Gray Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Between Shades of Gray Essay Topics

Between Shades of Gray

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Between Shades of Gray?

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Book Details