by Ruta Sepetys
First published 2016
As the Soviet army advances, four young refugees race to board the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safe passage. But not all promises can be kept. Inspired by the greatest maritime tragedy in history, this gripping tale follows the intertwining stories of those fighting for survival against the horrors of war.
Genres: drama, historical-fiction, war, adventure
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: found-family, race-against-time
Setting: East Prussia, Lithuania, Poland, Europe
Period: 1945
393 pages · Hardcover · Philomel Books
Content warnings: death, war