"Between Shades of Gray," a historical novel by Ruta Sepetys, follows the story of a Lithuanian girl named Lina during World War II. The narrative begins in 1941 when Lina, her mother, and younger brother are forcibly taken from their home by Soviet soldiers. This traumatic event marks the start of their harrowing journey through various labor camps in Siberia, where they face unimaginable hardships.
The novel explores themes of resilience, family, and hope as Lina uses her artistic talent to document her experiences and communicate with her father, who has been separated from them. Despite the dire circumstances, Lina's creativity becomes a source of strength, illustrating the human spirit's ability to endure even in the darkest times.