Salt to the Sea, written by Ruta Sepetys introduces the reader to Operation Hannibal, an attempt by the Nazis to evacuate two million people from east and west Prussia. The reader meets three of the main characters as they flee the Soviet Army while making their way to the evacuation site. Joana, Florian and Emilia along with several other characters travel together to the port. Each has a secret that is finally revealed to the reader. As they travel across Prussia, Alfred is already at the port preparing the ships for the evacuation. All are passengers aboard the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship built for vacation cruises just prior to the war. The ship will ultimately carry over 9000 people to their deaths. The author does a good job of revealing the little know history of the Wilhelm Gustloff, the greatest sea disaster recorded, with more lose of life than the Titanic or the Lusitania. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction from the perspective of younger people.
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