Books Like...
'Salt to the Sea' by Ruta Sepetys is a gripping historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the little-known tragedy of the sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff. The story follows the journeys of four main characters - Emilia, Florian, Joana, and Alfred - as they navigate the dangers of war and come together as refugees fleeing the Soviet advance. The narrative is presented through short chapters from the perspectives of these characters, providing a multi-dimensional view of their struggles and the events leading up to the maritime disaster.
The novel expertly weaves together the individual stories of the characters, highlighting their fears, hopes, and secrets amidst the backdrop of wartime Europe. The alternating viewpoints offer a comprehensive portrayal of the harrowing experiences faced by refugees during WWII, culminating in the tragic sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff which becomes a focal point of the narrative, shedding light on a lesser-known historical event.
If you liked Salt to the Sea, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys is a historical fiction novel that tells the harrowing story of a Lithuanian family, particularly focusing on teenage girl Lina, who are deported to forced labor camps in Siberia during World War II. The book explores the brutal conditions, struggles, and resilience of the characters as they endure unimaginable hardships under Stalin's reign.
Thinking back, the signs were there—family photos burned in the fireplace, Mother sewing her best silver and jewelry into the lining of her coat late at night, and Papa not returning from work. My you... - #2
Save:In 'Code Name Verity', author Elizabeth Wein weaves a compelling story set during World War II, focusing on the friendship between two young women, Maddie and Julie, who find themselves involved in espionage and war efforts. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two protagonists, revealing a tale of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Through cryptic accounts, unexpected plot twists, and heartbreaking decisions, the story unfolds to showcase the depth of the characters' friendship and the challenges they overcome during the war.
Just can’t think when it happened. She checked her papers, I checked my papers, Sergeant Silvey checked both of us, that headmistressy Special Operations officer who was nannying her checked, everybod... - #3
Save:The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys is a historical fiction novel set in 1950s Spain under the dictatorship of General Franco. The story follows Daniel, a young American photographer, as he navigates the complexities of Franco's regime and falls in love with Ana, a local hotel maid. Through multiple perspectives, the book sheds light on hidden aspects of Spanish history, including the struggles faced by ordinary people under the oppressive rule of Franco.
A weak glow from a bare bulb whispers light onto the supply shelf. Ana spots the tiny sewing kit and throws it into her basket. She runs to the stairs and falls in step with Lorenza, who balances an a... - #4
Save:"The Alice Network" by Kate Quinn is a historical novel that intertwines the stories of two women, Eve and Charlie, set during World War I and the aftermath of World War II. Eve, a member of the real-life Alice Network of female spies, finds herself haunted by her past as she helps Charlie, a young American woman searching for her missing cousin Rose. The narrative moves between 1915 and 1947, exploring themes of courage, sacrifice, and redemption as the characters navigate the challenges of war and personal growth. The book delves into the lives of these strong women, shedding light on their experiences and the impact of their choices during tumultuous times.
I was sitting opposite my mother at a wicker table among the potted palms in the Dolphin Hotel, trying to ignore what my eyes were telling me. The blond girl by the front desk wasn’t who I thought she... - #5
Save:'Lilac Girls' by Martha Hall Kelly is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of three women - Caroline, a New York socialite involved in humanitarian efforts, Kasia, a Polish teenager caught in the underground resistance, and Herta, a German doctor at the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The story spans from the late 1930s to the late 1950s, intertwining the lives of these women as they navigate the horrors of war, including medical experiments and the aftermath of the conflict.
The narrative alternates between the viewpoints of these three women, providing a rich variety of experiences throughout the war and beyond. The author skillfully weaves together their stories, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the long-lasting effects of both cruelty and hope on the human spirit. delves into the lesser-known aspects of World War II, shedding light on the Rabbits of Ravensbruck and the atrocities committed during the war, while also touching on the post-war recovery and struggles faced by survivors.
If I’d known I was about to meet the man who’d shatter me like bone china on terra-cotta, I would have slept in. Instead, I roused our florist, Mr. Sitwell, from his bed to make a boutonnière. My firs... - #6
Save:The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The story follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who navigate the challenges of resistance and survival in the face of the Nazi regime. The book delves into the experiences of French civilians, resistance fighters, Jewish individuals, and even German soldiers, providing a compelling and believable portrayal of the time period. Through well-developed characters and a gripping plot, the author weaves a tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the strength of women during wartime.
If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are. Today’s young people want to know everything about everyone. The... - #7
Save:'We Were the Lucky Ones' by Georgia Hunter is a gripping novel based on the true story of the Kurc family, a Polish Jewish family that miraculously survived the horrors of World War II. The story spans from 1939 through the war, following the family members as they endure separation, hardships, and struggles in various parts of the world, including Poland, Siberia, France, and Brazil. The book beautifully depicts the family's journey of survival, resilience, and reunion after the war, showcasing the power of love, hope, and determination in the face of adversity.
The narrative style of the book is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, as it weaves together the individual experiences of the Kurc family members, portraying their courage and will to survive amidst the atrocities of the Holocaust. Through meticulous research and personal family accounts, Georgia Hunter creates a poignant and emotional tribute to her ancestors, shedding light on the untold stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances during one of the darkest periods in history.
It wasn’t his plan to stay up all night. His plan was to leave the Grand Duc around midnight and catch a few hours of sleep at the Gare du Nord before his train ride back to Toulouse. Now—he glances a... - #8
Save:In 'City of Thieves' by David Benioff, the story unfolds during the siege of Leningrad in World War II, following Lev and Kolya, two unlikely companions tasked with finding a dozen eggs in a starving city to secure their freedom. The book blends humor, adventure, and tragedy as the characters navigate the harsh realities of war and the desperate conditions of the besieged city, providing a poignant and gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.
The book is praised for its vivid portrayal of the characters, the setting, and the historical context of the siege of Leningrad, offering a unique blend of humor, heart-wrenching moments, and realistic depictions of wartime struggles. The writing style is lauded for its fast pace, engaging plot twists, and the dynamic relationship between Lev and Kolya, creating a compelling and memorable story that resonates with readers.
You have never been so hungry; you have never been so cold. When we slept, if we slept, we dreamed of the feasts we had carelessly eaten seven months earlier—all that buttered bread, the potato dumpli... - #9
Save:"The Tattooist of Auschwitz" by Heather Morris is a powerful and emotional tale set in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. It follows the story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who becomes the camp's tattooist and meets and falls in love with a fellow prisoner named Gita. Despite the horrors of the Holocaust, the book portrays themes of love, hope, survival, and humanity amidst unimaginable circumstances. The writing style is described as modern and easy to read, effectively painting a vivid picture of the atrocities of the Holocaust while showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
LALE RATTLES ACROSS THE COUNTRYSIDE, KEEPING HIS HEAD up and himself to himself. The twenty-five-year-old sees no point in getting to know the man beside him, who occasionally nods off against his sho... - #10
Save:"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr is a beautifully crafted story set during World War II, focusing on the parallel lives of a French blind girl, Marie Laure, and a German orphan boy, Werner. The book intricately weaves together their individual experiences, struggles, and choices, ultimately leading to a fateful encounter. Through short chapters alternating between characters, the author paints a vivid picture of the war's atrocities and the interconnectedness of lives amidst chaos, showcasing the humanity on both sides of the conflict.
In a corner of the city, inside a tall, narrow house at Number 4 rue Vauborel, on the sixth and highest floor, a sightless sixteen-year-old named Marie-Laure LeBlanc kneels over a low table covered en...
