Salt to the Sea
on Goodreads (234,682)
What’s inside...
During World War II, four individuals with secrets of their own are fatefully united during the evacuation of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety but harbors its own tragic destiny. While the Titanic and Lusitania are both well-documented disasters, the single greatest tragedy in maritime history is the little-known January 30, 1945 sinking in the Baltic Sea by a Soviet submarine of the Wilhelm Gustloff, a German cruise liner that was supposed to ferry wartime personnel and refugees to safety from the advancing Red Army. The ship was overcrowded with more than 10,500 passengers — the intended capacity was approximately 1,800 — and more than 9,000 people, including 5,000 children, lost their lives. Sepetys (writer of 'Between Shades of Gray') crafts four fictionalized but historically accurate voices to convey the real-life tragedy. Joana, a Lithuanian with nursing experience; Florian, a Prussian soldier fleeing the Nazis with stolen treasure; and Emilia, a Polish girl close to the end of her pregnancy, converge on their escape journeys as Russian troops advance; each will eventually meet Albert, a Nazi peon with delusions of grandeur, assigned to the Gustloff decks.
Age
11-12
Length
379 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Joana Vilkas
Emilia
Florian Beck
Eva
Ingrid
Klaus
Heinz (The Shoe Poet)
Alfred Frick
Joana
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to make the choices they did during their journey?
How did the events in the book make you feel about the idea of survival in challenging times?
What can we learn about the importance of hope and resilience from the characters?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
How do you think this historical event influenced the lives of those involved?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, recap the major events and characters in the story to refresh your child’s memory. This sets a solid foundation for an insightful conversation.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the events in the book. Validate their feelings as an important part of understanding complex human behaviors.
Draw parallels between the challenges faced by characters and any personal obstacles your child may encounter, making the conversation directly relevant to them.
Highlight key moments in the book where characters showed empathy or courage, and discuss the importance of these qualities in real-life scenarios.
Finish off by asking your child how they might have acted in a similar situation, fostering critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of compassion and empathy
Explanation: In 'Salt to the Sea', characters showcase significant acts of kindness and understanding towards each other despite their dire circumstances during wartime.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with others' feelings and situations, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment at school and home.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonists in 'Salt to the Sea' encounter numerous challenges and life-threatening situations, yet they persist and strive to overcome these hardships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain strong and hopeful even when they encounter obstacles, and to keep working towards their goals.
Example Lesson: The consequences of war
Explanation: Through the harrowing experiences of the characters, the book provides a nuanced view of the impacts of war on individuals and societies.
Real-World Application: Children can gain a historical perspective and understanding of the importance of peace and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: The power of self-sacrifice for the greater good
Explanation: Characters in the book often make tough decisions that prioritize the welfare of others over their own safety.
Real-World Application: Teaches the value of selflessness and considering the needs of others, which is crucial in fostering cooperative and harmonious relationships.