Ashes in the Snow (Movie Tie-In)

by Ruta Sepetys

[kimbacaffeinate]

1941, 15-year-old Lina Vilkas' father never arrived home and now someone is banging at their door.  Lina, her 10-year-old brother Jonas and their mother Elena are ordered to pack only necessities from their home in Lithuania by Soviet officers and charged as criminals.

The Soviets packed them into cargo trains with other families. Here is where our journey with the Vilkas' and other Lithuanians really begins. They didn't know it but they were headed to work camps in Siberia.

I love historical fiction especially when it is steeped in history and recounts actual events. Sepetys did extensive research, and it shows in this well-written, poignant tale. At the end we learn she interviewed survivors. One survivor related much of what happened to Lina. While I am always shocked at the cruelty and horrors of this time period, I am often left in awe at not only the strength of those who faced these inhuman conditions but at the compassion they show. More than once their story moved me to tears as I listened. We also bore witness to humanities selfish side when its survival is on the line. It will give the reader pause and demand reflection as we ponder how we would react. 

Sepetys didn't shy away from the horrific events that occurred nor did she share events just to shock. Her characters were wonderfully flawed, and she showed both their strength and weaknesses. Even the enemy had shades of gray from some who helped to others who seemed to enjoy their cruelty.

Emily Klien narrated and did a wonderful job. She added another layer of depth and emotion to the tale. From her accents to tone she brought Lena's courage and her mother's strength to life. I felt she did the dialect justice and each key character had their own distinct voice. I will seek more audios narrated by her. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer