Preview
  • Between Shades of Gray

  • By: Ruta Sepetys
  • Narrated by: Emily Klein
  • Length: 7 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,137 ratings)

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Between Shades of Gray

By: Ruta Sepetys
Narrated by: Emily Klein
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Publisher's summary

An international best seller, a number-one New York Times best seller, and now a major motion picture!

Ruta Sepetys's Between Shades of Gray is now the film Ashes in the Snow!

"Few books are beautifully written, fewer still are important; this novel is both." (The Washington Post)

From New York Times and international best seller and Carnegie Medal winner Ruta Sepetys, author of Salt to the Sea, comes a story of loss and of fear - and ultimately, of survival.

A New York Times notable book

An international best seller

A Carnegie Medal nominee

A William C. Morris Award finalist

A Golden Kite Award winner

Fifteen-year-old Lina is a Lithuanian girl living an ordinary life - until Soviet officers invade her home and tear her family apart. Separated from her father and forced onto a crowded train, Lina, her mother, and her young brother make their way to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to fight for their lives. Lina finds solace in her art, documenting these events by drawing. Risking everything, she imbeds clues in her drawings of their location and secretly passes them along, hoping her drawings will make their way to her father's prison camp. But will strength, love, and hope be enough for Lina and her family to survive? A moving and haunting novel perfect for fans of The Book Thief.

Praise for Between Shades of Gray:

"Superlative. A hefty emotional punch." (The New York Times Book Review)

"Heart-wrenching... an eye-opening reimagination of a very real tragedy written with grace and heart." (The Los Angeles Times)

"At once a suspenseful, drama-packed survival story, a romance, and an intricately researched work of historial fiction." (The Wall Street Journal)

"Beautifully written and deeply felt... An important book that deserves the widest possible readership." (Booklist, starred review)

©2011 Ruta Sepetys (P)2011 Penguin Audio
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Critic reviews

Winner, Indies Choice Book Award

“Few books are beautifully written, fewer still are important; this novel is both.” (The Washington Post)

"Beautiful...a superb though grueling novel.” (The Wall Street Journal)

Featured Article: 25+ Quotes About the Power of Kindness


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What listeners say about Between Shades of Gray

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Heartfelt

I just love this book so much and I really wish there was more of the story.

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A must read

I've read many books about Nazi atrocities. This one covers Stalin and Russian brutality toward their citizens. The story is harsh. It is told from the viewpoint of a brave young girl trying to survive in a Siberian camp with her mother and brother. The characters are rich. The grit it to to survived makes a compelling story. It is also a story to remind us that we as a nation need to do what we can to prevent this from happening to other groups.

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Beutiful Book

This book was so good it was about to make me cry but i loved it and the reader of this book is awsome

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A must read- but difficult content to stomach.

Horrifying what the Baltic people went through. Beautifully written. I hope everyone reads this and remembers all of the innocent lives lost.

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A Must Read for All

This is my second time listening to this story. It is a painful but powerful story that I recommend to all of my friends. I absolutely love all of Ruta's books.

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AMAZEBALLS!!

Most amazing book!! Great narrating and pronunciations. Would definitely recommend to everyone!! Everyone should read this book!!

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Freedom

A truly Great story! Rated it 5 star. Can’t image that any human would treat another human like that but it occurred and so glad Ruta Sepetys documented it! It’s a sad story so be prepared. But it does have a great ending!

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innocent

wow. such an eye opening book. how quickly your life can change. beautiful written.

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curious about history

I highly recommend this book. story is compelling, heartbreaking and thought provoking.

My grandfather was deported to siberia and when he returned to Lithuania his health was poor. sadly I never had a chance to meet him. this story has ignited curiosity to learn more about my countries history and speak to elders to get there perspective.

Thank you Ruta for this book and your pursuit to know your heritage.

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My daughter told me about this book.

It caused me to go down a rabbit hole. I have looked up and researched more about Joseph Stalin. I didn’t even know who he was. I want to know more about Lina and Andras. I wish our schools would make this book mandatory for students.

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