characters--Joana, Florian, Emilia, and Alfred--and I had to reread the first 30 pages or so probably three times before it really hooked me. Having said that, once I got into the rhythm of the constantly-shifting narrators (and once the characters connected with each other), I could not put it down.
The story takes place in the winter of 1945, as the Nazis are losing World War II, and the Russians are pushing West through Poland. The four main characters eventually find themselves at the port in Gotenhafen, trying desperately to flee before oncoming troops, and their stories converge onboard the Wilhelm Gustloff Each of the main characters has something significant to hide, so much of the first part of the book is spent in keeping their secrets. Once they reach the Gustloff, the tension continues to build until the climactic disaster and aftermath. I have to say, the character of Alfred was one of the creepiest, most irritating characters I've encountered in a while, but Sepetys does a fantastic job creating four completely realistic main characters. As I was reading it, the novel didn't strike me as YA, but it is from the Penguin Teen division, and I would certainly recommend it for the classroom. I also love that Sepetys shares much of her research and some verbatim interviews at the conclusion of the novel which will enhance the knowledge of readers. Definitely a recommended read.
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